The Devil You Know

The Devil You Know is a gripping documentary series that premiered on Viceland in 2019. The show explores a nexus of sinister and controversial themes like cults, crime, and internet-based subcultures that are far too easily overlooked or misunderstood. This series, crafted in five parts by producers from Vice Media, thoroughly delves into each topic to provide viewers with an in-depth understanding of the dark worlds that exist just beneath the surface in society.

The series’ name, The Devil You Know, bolsters its thematic exploration of evil, dark power, and ominous figures that lurk, both within our own communities and sometimes within ourselves. This show goes beyond conventional portrayals of crime and villainy to delve into the genuine, human stories behind these dark phenomena.

One of the standout elements of The Devil You Know is its unflinching commitment to the dark side of journalistic exploration. The series dares to confront the shadows, taking the viewer on a journey into realities that are often too unnerving to understand. The creators of the show are to be commended for their fearlessness in throwing light on these deceitful situations and the destructive people behind them. Offering a unique blend of fact and fascination, the show meticulously unravels the intricate tapestry of dark worlds that thrive on the peripheries of our society.

The series begins with an investigation into the saga of Pazuzu Algarad, a self-proclaimed Satanist from a small American town. With his name adopted from an Assyrian demon often seen in horror films, Algarad provides an appropriate start to the series. It depicts the horror story of how Algarad created a house of horrors that evolved into a local legend in the quiet community. The creators approach this narrative with an in-depth, investigative lens, offering a chilling story of how a seemingly average individual can descend into the most horrifying depths of darkness.

The story of Pazuzu Algarad sets the tone for the rest of the series, which continues to explore similarly chilling cases. Intricately woven into the series are discussions about religious fanaticism, cult mentalities, internet-born darkness, and the breeding grounds of idiosyncratic criminal behaviors. The series excels at outlining the societal factors that contribute to these shadowy subcultures, all the while humanizing the perpetrators and victims of these chilling narratives.

The Devil You Know harpoons the conception of evil being a distant concept. Instead, it suggests that these elements often reside in the most unsuspecting places, concealed beneath the façade of normalcy – hence, the devil you know. The series dares to spills daylight on the darkness, venturing where few dare to look, into the heart of some of the most twisted, baffling, and inexplicable crimes and occurrences of the modern era.

Epoch-making, the show gives heavy emphasis on the painstaking journalistic efforts behind each narrative. Its approach reflects Vice's signature style, a unique meld of immersive journalism and daring commentary, as it delves into the narratives. The filmmaking techniques throughout the series resonate with authenticity and earnestness. It connects viewers to the lives of the people ensnared in these bizarre and frightening worlds.

Infused with elements of true crime, investigative journalism, sociology, and anthropology, The Devil You Know demands viewers' rapt attention from start to finish. That being said, audiences must also prepare for some inevitably intense and distressing scenes given the subject matter of the series.

The Devil You Know is more than just another entry in the true crime genre. It's an immersive and unsettling journey into the depths of darkness within our society. The series reminds us of the seductive power of evil and the horrific consequences that can issue from it. By placing the intimate details of grim tales at the forefront, the show encourages viewers to confront the harsh reality that darkness resides much closer to home than we'd like to acknowledge. Through its brave storytelling, engaging narratives, and slick production values, the show pushes the boundaries of conventional television, stirring viewers to think, feel, question, and, above all, pay attention to the world around them.