Movie Review: The Devil’s Candy (2015)
Synopsis
“The Devil’s Candy” is a 2015 psychological horror film directed by Sean Byrne, known for his 2005 debut, “The Loved Ones.” The story revolves around a struggling painter named Jesse Hellman, played by Ethan Embry, who relocates with his wife, Astrid (Amanda Fuller), and daughter, Haley (Kiara Glasco), to a rural Texas home that holds dark secrets. The Hellman family soon finds themselves in a sinister and terrifying situation when Jesse becomes increasingly consumed by his obsession with his art—and the malevolent forces dwelling within the house.
As Jesse creates haunting and vivid paintings that reflect the escalating tension and horror of his surroundings, his psyche unravels, leading to paranoia and violent outbursts. The narrative deepens as we are introduced to the character of Ray Smilie (Pruitt Taylor Vince), a disturbed former resident of the house who becomes fixated on Jesse and is driven by demonic desires. The film expertly intertwines the impacts of familial bonds and the dangers of creative obsession, creating an intricate and dark tapestry of horror and psychological tension.
Cast of Actors
- Ethan Embry as Jesse Hellman
- Amanda Fuller as Astrid Hellman
- Kiara Glasco as Haley Hellman
- Pruitt Taylor Vince as Ray Smilie
- Jessica McNamee as the Real Estate Agent
- Matt Boren as the Father’s Ghost
- A. M. A. Berja as the Woman in the Painting
Review
Sean Byrne’s “The Devil’s Candy” is a film that weaves the themes of familial bonds, artistic obsession, and supernatural horror into a compelling narrative that resonates long after the credits roll. The film adeptly merges elements of psychological horror with traditional ghostly storytelling, creating a multi-faceted experience that is both chilling and thought-provoking.
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its exploration of the creative process. Jesse Hellman, portrayed compellingly by Ethan Embry, is not merely a passive victim. Instead, he becomes a conduit through which dark forces manifest, blurring the lines between artist and art. Byrne conveys this hauntingly, guiding us into Jesse’s psyche as we witness his descent into madness. The paintings he creates are not only a reflection of his inner turmoil but appear to possess a life and agency of their own, drawing Jesse deeper into a chaotic world where his sanity and morality are put on a knife’s edge.
From the outset, the film establishes an atmosphere thick with foreboding—a pervasive sense that something sinister lurks just beneath the surface of the idyllic family life. The Hellman family’s initial excitement at their new home is quickly supplanted by an encroaching sense of dread. Annie and Ethan’s performances brilliantly capture the nuances of a family grappling with increasingly bizarre and frightening occurrences. Amanda Fuller as Astrid brings depth to her character, skillfully portraying a mother trying to hold her family together amidst chaos, defying the typical role of the frightened female protagonist.
Pruitt Taylor Vince delivers a chilling performance as Ray Smilie, the film’s antagonist whose disturbed mind is as tragic as it is terrifying. Smilie is far from a one-dimensional villain; instead, Byrne imbues him with an unsettling complexity that evokes a mix of empathy and horror. The underlying sadness of his character is exemplified through his backstory, which adds layers to the film’s narrative. Vince masterfully conveys the fragility of Smilie’s mental state, making him one of the film’s most memorable characters. His obsession with Jesse and his art serves as a catalyst for the horror that unfolds, reflecting the destructive nature of unchecked creativity and possession.
Visually, “The Devil’s Candy” is a feast for the eyes. Byrne utilises colour and light to create a vivid representation of Jesse’s mindscape. The ethereal, often surrealistic quality of Jesse’s paintings contrasts sharply with the gritty realism of the Hellman family’s surrounding life, serving as a poignant metaphor for the duality of creativity and despair. Cinematographer Simon Chapman effectively captures these elements, employing both sweeping shots of the Texas countryside and claustrophobic framing during intense moments of horror, which keeps the viewer’s heart racing.
The film’s score, composed by the band The Elemental, intensifies the atmosphere, skilfully augmenting the film’s emotional highs and lows. The powerful combination of heavy guitar riffs and eerie soundscapes perfectly encapsulates Jesse’s descent into madness while heightening the tension during pivotal moments. This synergy between visuals, sound, and narrative amplifies the horror elements, ensuring that “The Devil’s Candy” resonates on multiple levels.
Byrne’s film also engages with deeper questions about the nature of evil and the consequences of personal demons. It challenges the notion of what it means to be successful as an artist and questions the very core of creativity and its potential to consume the creator. As Jesse becomes further entrenched in his artistic pursuits, the film suggests that inspiration can come at a terrible cost. It explores the idea that sometimes, the very source of our inspiration can also be our undoing.
The pacing of the film also deserves commendation. While the film adeptly builds suspense, it does not fall into the trap of dragging out plot points unnecessarily. The gradual unveiling of Jesse’s inner turmoil coupled with the mounting dread of Ray Smilie’s presence creates an engaging rhythm that keeps the viewer on edge.
However, some viewers may find aspects of the narrative slightly predictable or reminiscent of common horror tropes. As the characters navigate their trials, familiar elements such as the jump scare and the archetypal haunted house story may seem somewhat derivative. Nevertheless, Byrne’s direction ensures that these tropes are utilised effectively, maintaining tension and delivering a satisfying horror experience without resorting to overt clichés.
In conclusion, “The Devil’s Candy” stands as a powerful exploration of art, obsession, and familial love amid the horror genre. With exceptional performances, striking visuals, and a haunting score, Sean Byrne has crafted a film that lingers long after viewing. By delving into the psyche of its protagonist and examining the nature of evil, the film provides more than mere scares; it invites viewers to reflect upon the darker sides of creativity and the costs of ambition.
Score: 8.5/10
