Don't Let The Devil In

Don't Let The Devil In from 2016 is an intriguing mix of thriller, horror, and psychological drama, plunging the audience into a hostile, haunted world that's laden with malevolent secrets. No stranger to backwoods horror, director Courtney Fathom Sell brilliantly weaves intrigue, suspense, and terror into one engaging storyline that binds its audience until the end.

We start with the plot revolving around John and Samantha Harris, a newlywed couple played by Marc Slanger and Jordan Lewis respectively. Having moved from the fast-paced urban environment of Washington D.C., they find themselves caught up in the seemingly sleepy, isolated Maryland frontier of Black Creek; a foredoomed decision that instills the story with an ominous tone right from the outset. The setup is classic but effective. It doesn't take long for the couple to realize that their new environment, far from offering their desired utopia, is instead shrouded in chilling mysteries.

Right from the beginning, the storyline unfolds in a manner that builds up the suspense and entices the viewers. A series of unnerving encounters with the eccentric and standoffish townsfolk turns malignant, pushing the couple to their breaking point. The narrative explores themes of claustrophobia and isolation, as well as the eerie, unsettling ambiance that suggests the uncanny presence of supernatural beings.

Streamlining the menacing narrative are powerful performances from Anthony J. Anastasio, Constance Archer, and Mark Ashby. The casting is deftly chosen, with complex and compelling characters creating an intense and unsettling atmosphere, heightening the undercurrent of dread throughout the film.

Anastasio portrays the role of a mysterious figure whose menacing presence looms heavy over the movie. His performance lends depth and intrigue to what appears to be a small, out-of-the-way community. Simultaneously, Constance Archer, in her enigmatic role, leaves the viewers guessing her true intent. Her character's ambiguous nature adds to the movie’s sense of psychological unease.

Mark Ashby is a pivotal part of the film, embodying an archetype of every small town – that one individual who somehow seems connected to everyone and everything. His performance is compelling and compellingly nuanced, deepening the air of mystery that pervades in the town of Black Creek.

Don't Let The Devil In plays heavily on common fears with folkloric symbolism, uncanny moments, and a sense of pervasive dread that finds its root in the gothic terror tradition but transcend these influences into something genuinely provocative. The setting of Black Creek and the community members have an unsettling air about them, which comprehensively adds to the intense suspense. The subtext of the film explores the thin yet resistant veneer of civility that masks primal instincts and veils unspeakable horrors.

The film's atmosphere is claustrophobically taut, aided by smart cinematography, effective sound design, and a vibrant, eerie score. The rustic backdrop contrasts sharply with the undercurrent of horror, creating an aesthetic that will linger in your mind long after the movie has finished.

What sets Don't Let The Devil In apart is its refusal to lean on cheap jump scares or graphic gore. Instead, it builds its horror through atmosphere, character interactions, and the slow unveiling of the town's secrets. At its core, there's a sense of creeping, insidious horror that gnaws at you, the kind that makes you feel unease despite the lack of explicit scares.

In conclusion, Don't Let The Devil In is an engrossing exploration of underlying rural terror. It manages to be eerie, unsettling, atmospheric, and thoroughly entertaining. Its ability to play with audiences’ perception and create a sense of dread without resorting to horror cliches is a testament to the top-notch storytelling and performances from the cast. A must-watch for horror enthusiasts who prefer a slow-burn to loud scares.