The Good Things Devils Do

The Good Things Devils Do is a horror and thriller movie from 2020, which stars renowned horror icons Bill Oberst Jr., Linnea Quigley, and Kane Hodder. Written and directed by Jess Norvisgaard, the film blends elements of crime, vampire horror, and old-fashioned slasher-style brutality.

The film features an ensemble of characters whom each bring a distinct flavor to the storyline. Bill Oberst Jr. plays the calculating and menacing Richard, a career criminal who's ready to hang up his gloves and leave the life of crime. Linnea Quigley perfectly depicts the character of Melvin's (David Rucker III) sister, Mousey, who hosts the bloody event the film revolves around. Each character is expertly developed, showcasing their own unique quirks, faults, and fears.

Kane Hodder, who is widely known for his portrayal of iconic horror character Jason Voorhees presents his character, percy, with great dexterity. Percy is no less menacing and exudes brute force. No stranger to blood and horror, Hodder's experience in the genre amplifies the chilling aura that surrounds his character and in turn, the movie.

The film begins as Richard plans to retire from his life of crime, aiming to handle one last job that would secure funds for his daughter's future. He begrudgingly teams up with Percy, a cold-blooded crook with dark intentions. However, their simple heist turns complicated as they unwittingly unleash an ancient evil that makes their previous endeavors seem trivial in comparison.

On the other hand, we have Mousey, played by the "scream queen" Linnea Quigley. She’s hosting a Halloween eve celebration with her family at their antique-stored home when they are abruptly interrupted by Richard and Percy. The tension between the characters builds up in a highly volatile mixture of fear, sarcasm, and grudging respect. As the narrative progresses, the film exposes the dark deeds these characters engage in and forces them to confront an unleashed bloodthirsty evil entity.

The Good Things Devils Do presents both familiar horror tropes and fresh spins in a compact and aesthetically pleasing style. The narrative is not that of a straight line but of zig-zags between the past and the present, the logical and the supernatural, the suspenseful and the all-out horrifying. The movie osculates between the worlds as it progresses, shedding light on the hidden human fears and deep-seated dread of the macabre unknown.

One of the film's great strengths is its atmosphere. The shots present a mesmerizing mix of modern aesthetics and nostalgic nods to classic horror films. The nightmarish atmosphere snuffs out any hope of escape from the dread that pervades the narrative as soon as the entity is unleashed. The stunning play of lights and shadows, as well as the chilling sound effects, create an increasingly claustrophobic environment.

This film is a true love letter to classic horror. Filled with homages and familiar touches, it revels in its knowledge of the genre and uses it with great creative success. Jess Norvisgaard's gem is sure to appease both new and seasoned horror fans as it delivers blood-curdling scares and introspective moments in equal measures.

Despite the chaos and horror, the film also presents its humorous side which gives audiences breathers in between the intense, heart-stopping scenes. The dialogue is sharp, often punctuated with witty lines that color the characters and add richness to the narrative.

The Good Things Devils Do explores multifaceted characters with excellent performances from a stellar horror-icon-packed cast. The film is a potent blend of horror genres, and underneath its suspenseful and horrifying facade, it profoundly suggests a moral reflection on the consequences of actions – good and bad, and how paradoxically the result of it leads to unimaginably horrific circumstances.

No doubt, The Good Things Devils Do leans heavily into its genre elements, but it doesn’t rely only on gore. At its core, it is a tale of humans grappling with their worse fears, consequences of their deeds, and the manifestation of darkness in different forms.

Horror fanatics and casual fans alike will find this film not only an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride but also a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of seemingly ordinary decisions leading to extraordinary outcomes. The Good Things Devils Do is an exciting and irresistible addition to the horror genre that pays homage to its roots while crafting its unique path.