Film Review: I Trapped The Devil

Ah, Christmas time, the time of giving, of joy, of family. Although, you sometimes lose touch with some family members, which can lead to some awkward reunions. However, in the case of Matt (AJ Bowen) and Karen (Susan Burke), who have decided to visit Matt’s estranged brother, Steve (Scott Poythress), the situation is more dire than they anticipated. Not only does Karen find a loaded gun in an upstairs room, the whole house is a complete mess with the windows nearly all boarded up, and Matt believes he has the devil locked away in the basement.

The film, which was written, directed, and edited by first time filmmaker, Josh Lobo, utilizes a premise similar to an old Twilight Zone episode, The Howling Man. The film is almost structured like it could be a reimagining that would fit right in with the new series (and if I’m being completely honest, it’s better than some of those new episodes have been). Now, if you are curious as to how Steve managed to trap someone that he believes is the devil, don’t expect an explanation. In one of the film’s more overtly playful moments, Matt asks his brother how such a thing could happen, to which Steve simply dismisses as something that “isn’t important right now.”

There are only a few moments like this, but they are welcome. The thing Lobo excels at here is the ability to create a relentlessly ominous mood. From frame one, you realize something is terribly wrong with the house. From the bizarre decor, to the strange phone calls that Steve keeps getting, images that pop up in the middle of static from the TV, to the cries of whoever – or whatever – is behind that locked basement door, pretty much everything in the film is used to evoke dread with maximum effect.

The performances from the cast is uniformly terrific. The film taking place entirely inside the house allows for everyone to bounce off each other in meaningful and clever ways. You get an understanding of where everyone is coming from, how they initially react to the situation, and how they grow from those feelings over the course of the film, which is a lean 82 minutes. They capture the heartbreak of seeing a loved one in trouble, the paranoia that comes with the debate of whether they’re dealing with something mundane or something beyond their understanding, and the tragedy that can often inform the pain and madness that pushes people down a terrible path.

The film is ultimately a more cerebral experience rather than one that goes for standard scares. It takes its time with these characters, allowing you to dive into their headspace, which leads to some surreal imagery, punctuated by the Christmas lights, often soaking the screen in deep primary colors, as well as the unnerving score by Ben Lovett. It’s a slow build, and the lingering feeling of doom and gloom is what stuck with me, and if you’re expecting a grand payoff, you will be disappointed.

If there’s anything that I Trapped The Devil accomplishes (aside from having a badass title), it’s how the film makes a strong case for Josh Lobo as an up-and-coming filmmaker. He has a great command of tone, suspense, and atmosphere, and he’s able to tune into some psychologically complex character dynamics without too much exposition. While it may not be a huge spook-fest, it was consistently unsettling, always keeping me on my toes, and genuinely invested with the characters. It might now blow your mind, or be one of your favorite horror films this year, but it’s a nifty indie horror flick that is absolutely worth seeking out and supporting.