The Devil's Candy

The Devil's Candy, released in 2015, is an intense, gripping and darkly perverse masterpiece that is an unusual blend of psychological horror and the supernatural, offering an enthralling experience for fans of the horror genre. Directed by Sean Byrne, and featuring remarkable performances from Ethan Embry, Shiri Appleby, and Pruitt Taylor Vince, the film expertly explores the infiltration of terror into an otherwise ordinary family life.

Ethan Embry plays the lead role of Jesse Hellman, a struggling, unconventional artist who has recently moved his small loving family to a rural Texas town. The new residents of an eerily bargain-priced house, Jesse, his wife Astrid, played by Shiri Appleby, and their goth-loving daughter Zooey, embark on their new life with optimistic familial bliss, unaware of the dark history their new home holds.

Soon after moving into their new house, the embodiment of their American Dream, Jesse discovers the cluttered remnants of a former resident in the old and ominous-looking shed at the back of their sprawling property. Here, he uncovers a mysterious box of items that start triggering intense and strange inspirations for his artwork. Jesse begins to get lost in a spellbinding world that fuels his art but also starts to consume him and insidiously infiltrate his mind.

Meanwhile, Pruitt Taylor Vince puts forth an unsettling performance as Ray Smilie, the mentally disturbed former resident of the house who communicates with sinister voices. Grappling with menacing forces that compel him to commit horrific acts, Smilie's character delivers a rich undercurrent of suspense and terror that further strengthens the core narrative of the film. He becomes an integral part of the storyline as his character's twisted past becomes intricately tied with the Hellman's unfolding nightmare.

Shiri Appleby excellently portrays Astrid Hellman, the concerned and loving mother and wife, who begins to worry about the eerie transformation her husband is undergoing, his fervent obsession with the dark art, and the sudden and unsettling interest Ray Smilie seems to have in their daughter.

As the plot unfolds, each character is sucked deeper into a web of diabolical dread as the malevolent forces around them thrive. Jesse's escalating obsession with his paintings drives him into a progressively deep abyss of madness, unknowingly placing his family in unexpected danger. To protect his family, he must unweave the horrifying mystery that surrounds their new home before they all become ensnared in devil's candy.

The movie explores the intermingling themes of family, art, and madness enveloped within a haunting supernatural ambiance. It paints a vivid and stark picture of each character’s psychological struggle against the malevolent forces affecting them, providing an immensely immersive viewing experience.

Echoing the director's debut, The Loved Ones, the 2015 film The Devil's Candy also employs a metal soundtrack, which significantly augments the dark and horrific themes of the film. Vibrating with distorted guitars, the music serves to unnerve viewers, intensifying the feeling of dread that permeates the film.

Praised for its strong performances, intense story, and expertly woven horror, The Devil's Candy skillfully offers a portrait of the collision between the ordinary and the evil supernatural. The film’s vivid imagery, fantastic sound design and, the daunting atmosphere keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, attesting to Byrne's adeptness at creating a mood of tension and terror.

The Devil's Candy may be unsettling for some, but for die-hard fans of the horror genre who appreciate psychological suspense coupled with the supernatural, the film provides a deeply satisfying and riveting experience. This film excellently maintains a sense of terror and foreboding throughout, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a thrilling horror-drama experience.