Desperation, Faith and Unveiling the Dark Souls: The Devil All the Time (2020)
The Devil All the Time, directed by Antonio Campos, is a gripping and unsettling drama that delves into the dark underbelly of rural America. Based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock, the film weaves together a web of interconnected stories, exploring themes of religion, violence, and the consequences of human desperation.
Set in the post-World War II era, the film follows a cast of characters who are haunted by the traumas of their past and locked in a cycle of violence and despair. From the tormented war veteran Willard Russell (Bill Skarsgård) to the conflicted preacher Preston Teagardin (Robert Pattinson), the story unfolds as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a small, deeply religious town in Ohio and the rugged landscapes of West Virginia, the film evokes a sense of isolation and decay. The haunting cinematography, accompanied by a melancholic score, further enhances the somber tone of the narrative.
Tom Holland delivers a standout performance as Arvin Russell, Willard's son, capturing the character's internal struggles and the burden of his traumatic upbringing. Bill Skarsgård and Robert Pattinson both bring a chilling intensity to their respective roles, embodying complex and morally ambiguous characters. The supporting cast, including Riley Keough, Sebastian Stan, and Eliza Scanlen, further elevate the film.
The Devil All the Time poses uncomfortable questions about the nature of good and evil, the limits of faith, and the cyclical nature of violence. The pacing, deliberately slow and methodical, requires some patience and tolerance.
While its somber tone and challenging subject matter may not be for everyone, Its powerful performances and atmospheric setting make it something worthwhile but I for one, cannot muster up patience to watch it again.
I rate it 3.5 out of 5.
Direction Rating: 0.75/1
Cinematography Rating: 0.75/1
Story Rating: 0.75/1
Acting Rating: 0.75/1
Film Score Rating: 0.5/1
IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7395114/
Comments