Late Night with the Devil (2023) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Late Night with the Devil is a psychological horror film that blends found-footage and supernatural elements, following the disastrous final episode of a 1970s late-night talk show where a demonic presence is accidentally summoned. The ending reveals the host, Jack Delroy, has been manipulated by a demonic entity, and the entire broadcast becomes a ritualistic sacrifice, leaving the fate of the cast and audience ambiguous. The film concludes with a chilling implication that evil has permanently infiltrated the world through live television.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Late Night with the Devil unfolds as Jack Delroy, the desperate late-night host, attempts to salvage his failing show by featuring a controversial psychic medium and a supposedly possessed girl, Lilly. Throughout the episode, strange occurrences escalate-equipment malfunctions, unexplained voices, and Lilly's increasingly erratic behavior. In the final moments, Lilly fully succumbs to the demonic presence, revealing that Jack made a Faustian bargain years earlier to gain fame, and now the demon has come to collect. The studio descends into chaos as the entity manifests, possessing crew members and the live audience. The film ends abruptly, cutting to static, implying the broadcast was either shut down or the demon successfully completed its ritual.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending reinforces themes of ambition, exploitation, and the dangers of media sensationalism. Jack's downfall stems from his willingness to exploit the supernatural for ratings, mirroring real-world critiques of how entertainment often commodifies trauma and the occult. The demon's manifestation through live TV serves as a metaphor for how evil can spread insidiously through media, corrupting both individuals and collective audiences. The abrupt cutoff leaves the viewer questioning whether the horror was contained or if the demon's influence escaped into homes nationwide, playing into fears of technology as a conduit for malevolence.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Did Jack survive?
- Unlikely: The demon's dialogue suggests Jack's soul was forfeit the moment he made the pact.
- Possible twist: The static implies his fate is left to interpretation, leaving room for sequels.
Was Lilly ever truly possessed, or was it a hoax?
- Genuine possession: The escalating paranormal activity supports supernatural intervention.
- Psychological manipulation: The film's faux-documentary style could imply an elaborate con gone wrong.
Did the demon's influence spread beyond the studio?
- Yes: The abrupt ending hints at a wider catastrophe, akin to The Ring's cursed tape.
- No: The chaos may have been contained, with the footage later discovered as a warning.
Personal Opinion
The ending of Late Night with the Devil is a masterclass in sustaining dread through ambiguity. By refusing to neatly resolve the horror, the film lingers in the viewer's mind, amplifying its impact. The 1970s aesthetic and mockumentary approach ground the supernatural in a gritty realism, making the climax feel disturbingly plausible. However, the abrupt cutoff might frustrate some who crave closure. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a cautionary tale about the price of ambition and the unseen consequences of blurring entertainment with the occult.
Final Thoughts
Late Night with the Devil weaponizes its period setting and format to deliver a uniquely unsettling experience. The ending's deliberate vagueness ensures the horror extends beyond the screen, leaving audiences to grapple with their own interpretations. Whether read as a literal demonic takeover or a metaphor for media corruption, the film's conclusion is a bold, chilling statement on the power-and peril-of broadcasting the unknown.