“The Devil All the Time” is a psychological thriller film released in 2020, directed by Antonio Campos. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock. Set in the post-World War II era, the film is a multi-layered narrative that intertwines the lives of various characters in rural Ohio and West Virginia.
The story revolves around Arvin Eugene Russell, portrayed by Tom Holland, who grows up in a town filled with corruption, violence, and religious fanaticism. Arvin is deeply affected by the traumatic experiences he witnesses, including the abuse inflicted upon his family members.
The narrative also delves into the lives of other characters, including Arvin’s father Willard Russell (played by Bill Skarsgård), a disturbed war veteran, and a sinister couple, Carl and Sandy Henderson (played by Jason Clarke and Riley Keough), who commit gruesome crimes. Additionally, there’s a corrupt sheriff (Sebastian Stan) and a twisted preacher (Robert Pattinson) who manipulate their followers for their own gain.
As the story progresses, the lives of these characters intersect in unexpected ways, leading to moments of violence, revenge, and redemption. Themes of faith, morality, and the nature of evil are explored throughout the film.
“The Devil All the Time” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its performances and atmosphere but criticism for its grim and occasionally disjointed narrative. However, it’s praised for its dark and haunting portrayal of the human condition and the rural American landscape.
| Title | The Devil All the Time |
|---|---|
| Director | Antonio Campos |
| Screenplay | Antonio Campos, Paulo Campos |
| Based on | Novel by Donald Ray Pollock |
| Release Date | September 16, 2020 (Netflix) |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller |
| Setting | Post-World War II rural Ohio and West Virginia |
| Main Cast | Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgård, Jason Clarke, Riley Keough, Sebastian Stan, Robert Pattinson |
| Plot | Follows the intertwining lives of various characters in a town filled with corruption, violence, and religious fanaticism |
| Themes | Faith, Morality, Evil, Redemption |
| Reception | Mixed reviews from critics, praised for performances and atmosphere, criticized for grim narrative and occasional disjointedness |
Plot of the Movie
During World War II, Marine Willard Russell encounters Gunnery Sergeant Miller Jones, who has been brutally killed by Japanese soldiers. Willard mercifully ends Jones’s suffering. After the war, Willard meets Charlotte and Carl in Meade, Ohio. He marries Charlotte and they settle in Knockemstiff, Ohio, where they have a son named Arvin.
In 1950, Helen marries Roy, an eccentric preacher who does bizarre acts like pouring spiders on himself during sermons. They have a daughter named Lenora. During one sermon, Roy gets bitten by a spider and starts believing he can bring back the dead. He fatally stabs Helen in the woods, trying unsuccessfully to resurrect her. Later, he’s killed by a couple, Carl and Sandy, who pick up hitchhikers and murder them. Roy refuses their advances, but Carl kills him regardless.
In 1957, Charlotte gets cancer. Willard believes he can pray fervently to God to cure her. He sacrifices Arvin’s dog on a cross in the woods to influence God. Despite his efforts, Charlotte dies, and Willard commits suicide. Arvin, now orphaned, goes to live with his grandmother Emma, who has also adopted Lenora.
In 1965, Arvin – now a young adult working manual jobs around town – is given Willard’s Luger as a birthday present. He is highly protective of Lenora, a high school student who is mistreated by several local greasers, driving Arvin to one day assault and brutally beat them all. Lenora becomes close to the new, self-righteous Reverend Preston Teagardin, whom Arvin dislikes for earlier mocking Emma. Preston, a pedophile, grooms Lenora, who subsequently falls pregnant. When she tells Preston, he rejects her. Lenora commits herself after being overwhelmed by bullying and pregnancy. Following the autopsy, Arvin learns that she was pregnant and deduces that Preston is the father. He follows Preston and discovers him grooming another female.
Arvin shoots and kills Preston at church, then hitchhikes to his childhood home. He’s picked up by Carl and Sandy, who he kills in self-defense after realizing they’re dangerous. He finds evidence of their crimes and takes it. Lee, fearing exposure, burns evidence but is killed by Arvin, who frames him for the crimes. Arvin leaves the area, carrying evidence.
Lee investigates Carl and Sandy’s deaths and believes Arvin is responsible. He finds Arvin burying his dog and tries to kill him for revenge. They shoot at each other, and Arvin wounds Lee. Arvin plants evidence on Lee’s body before he dies.
After Preston’s death is discovered, Arvin hitchhikes out of town with a hippie heading to Cincinnati. As they leave, Arvin falls asleep and thinks about his future, foreseeing it to be much like Willard’s.
Reasons to Watch It
“The Devil All the Time” is a gripping and atmospheric film featuring powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and thought-provoking themes that delve into the dark side of human nature and the complexities of morality in post-World War II America.
Powerful Performances – The film features an ensemble cast including Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skarsgård, and Riley Keough, among others, delivering powerful and nuanced performances that bring the complex characters to life. Intriguing Storytelling – Based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock, the film weaves together multiple storylines set in post-World War II America, exploring themes of religion, violence, and the dark side of human nature. The nonlinear narrative keeps viewers engaged as they piece together the interconnected stories. Atmospheric Setting – Set in rural Ohio and West Virginia, the film captures the atmosphere of the American Midwest with its sprawling landscapes and small-town communities. The evocative cinematography adds to the sense of place, immersing viewers in the gritty and atmospheric world of the story. Exploration of Morality – “The Devil All the Time” delves into complex moral dilemmas and the consequences of unchecked religious fervor, exploring how individuals grapple with their beliefs and the choices they make in the face of adversity.
Rich Character Development – Each character in the film is meticulously crafted with layers of depth and complexity, allowing viewers to delve into their motivations, desires, and inner conflicts. From conflicted war veterans to charismatic preachers, the characters resonate with authenticity and humanity. Engrossing Themes – The film explores a range of thought-provoking themes including faith, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence. It prompts viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and the ways in which individuals seek meaning and purpose in a chaotic world. Directorial Vision – Directed by Antonio Campos, “The Devil All the Time” showcases his distinctive filmmaking style characterized by its dark and atmospheric tone, as well as its unflinching exploration of the human psyche. Campos skillfully navigates the intricate narrative, maintaining tension and suspense throughout. Critically Acclaimed – The film has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike for its compelling performances, atmospheric storytelling, and thematic depth. It has been lauded for its ambitious storytelling and its ability to provoke thought and discussion.
Overall, “The Devil All the Time” offers a thought-provoking and immersive cinematic experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Reasons to Avoid It
Some viewers may choose to avoid watching “The Devil All the Time” (2020) due to its graphic violence, dark themes, complex storytelling, and emotionally taxing atmosphere.
Graphic Content – The film contains scenes of graphic violence, including depictions of murder, abuse, and other disturbing acts, which could be unsettling or triggering for sensitive viewers. Dark Themes – “The Devil All the Time” explores dark and heavy themes such as religious extremism, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked violence, which may not be suitable for all audiences. Intense Atmosphere – The film creates a tense and foreboding atmosphere throughout, which, coupled with its disturbing content, might make it emotionally taxing for some viewers. Complex Storytelling – The narrative of “The Devil All the Time” is nonlinear and intertwines multiple storylines, which may be confusing or difficult to follow for those who prefer more straightforward storytelling.
Lengthy Runtime – With a runtime of over two hours, the film demands a significant time commitment, which might deter viewers looking for shorter or lighter entertainment options. Lack of Escapism – For those seeking light-hearted or feel-good entertainment, “The Devil All the Time” may not provide the escapism they desire, given its dark and gritty subject matter. Not Suitable for Younger Audiences – Due to its mature themes and graphic content, the film is not appropriate for children or younger teenagers.
Overall, while “The Devil All the Time” offers a compelling and thought-provoking viewing experience for some, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to its dark themes, graphic content, and intense atmosphere.
Critical Response
“The Devil All the Time” received a mixed critical response, with praise for its atmospheric storytelling and performances, but criticism for its excessive violence and disjointed narrative structure.
Performances – Many critics praised the performances of the ensemble cast, particularly Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Bill Skarsgård, for their compelling portrayals of complex characters. Atmospheric Storytelling – The film’s atmospheric cinematography and direction were applauded for effectively capturing the mood and setting of the post-war American South, immersing viewers in its gritty and foreboding atmosphere. Exploration of Themes – Some critics appreciated the film’s exploration of weighty themes such as religious fanaticism, violence, and morality, acknowledging its ambition in tackling these complex subjects.
Graphic Violence – One common criticism of the film was its gratuitous depiction of violence, which some critics found excessive and disturbing, detracting from the overall viewing experience. Disjointed Narrative – Several reviewers felt that the film’s nonlinear narrative structure, which weaves together multiple storylines, resulted in a disjointed and at times confusing plot, making it challenging for audiences to fully engage with the story. Pacing Issues – Some critics noted pacing issues throughout the film, with stretches of slow-moving scenes that hindered the overall momentum and impact of the narrative. Lack of Emotional Connection – Despite strong performances, a few reviewers felt that the film struggled to establish a deep emotional connection with its characters, leading to a sense of detachment from their struggles and experiences.
Overall Reception – “The Devil All the Time” received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its atmospheric storytelling and performances, while others criticized its excessive violence and uneven pacing. While the film’s dark and gritty themes resonated with some viewers, others found it overly bleak and lacking in nuance, resulting in a divisive critical response overall. Despite its flaws, “The Devil All the Time” garnered attention for its ambitious narrative and bold exploration of challenging subject matter, sparking discussions among audiences and critics alike.
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| – Performances | – Excessive graphic violence |
| – Atmospheric storytelling | – Disjointed narrative structure |
| – Exploration of themes | – Pacing issues – Lack of emotional connection |
Key Themes
“The Devil All the Time” explores themes of religious fanaticism, violence, moral ambiguity, loss, family legacy, isolation, redemption, and corruption in a dark and gritty portrayal of post-war America.
Religious Fanaticism – The film delves into the consequences of extreme religious beliefs and the manipulation of faith for personal gain, portraying characters who use religion as a justification for violence and exploitation. Violence and its Cycle – “The Devil All the Time” examines the cyclical nature of violence, illustrating how trauma and brutality can perpetuate through generations and communities, leading to a vicious cycle of suffering and retribution. Moral Ambiguity – The narrative confronts the complexities of morality, presenting characters who navigate ethical dilemmas and grapple with the consequences of their actions in a morally ambiguous world where right and wrong are not always clear-cut. Loss and Trauma – Loss and trauma are recurring themes in the film, as characters endure personal tragedies and confront the lingering effects of war, abuse, and betrayal, highlighting the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and communities.
Family and Legacy – “The Devil All the Time” explores the dynamics of family and legacy, examining how familial ties and inherited legacies shape the identities and destinies of its characters, for better or for worse. Isolation and Despair – The film depicts a sense of isolation and despair amidst its rural, post-war setting, portraying characters who grapple with loneliness, disillusionment, and a sense of hopelessness in a harsh and unforgiving world. Redemption and Sacrifice – Redemption and sacrifice emerge as central themes, as characters seek redemption for past sins and strive to break free from the cycles of violence and despair, often at great personal cost. Corruption and Power – “The Devil All the Time” explores themes of corruption and abuse of power, depicting characters who exploit their positions of authority for selfish gain and perpetuate systems of oppression and injustice.
These themes interweave throughout the narrative, offering a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the darker aspects of society.
Memorable Moments
Memorable moments in “The Devil All the Time” include Arvin’s vigilante justice, Reverend Teagardin’s unsettling sermons, Carl and Sandy’s twisted road trip, the backstory of the spider’s web, Lee Bodecker’s corruption, Arvin’s confrontation with the preacher, and the gripping final standoff.
Arvin’s Vigilante Justice – Arvin Russell, played by Tom Holland, takes matters into his own hands to deliver vigilante justice against those he sees as deserving, showcasing his moral ambiguity and determination to protect his loved ones. Reverend Teagardin’s Sermons – Reverend Preston Teagardin, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, delivers charismatic yet unsettling sermons that manipulate and exploit his congregation, highlighting the dark side of religious fervor. Carl and Sandy’s Road Trip – Carl Henderson, played by Jason Clarke, and his accomplice Sandy Henderson, played by Riley Keough, embark on a twisted road trip fueled by their depraved desires, leading to shocking and violent encounters. The Backstory of the Spider’s Web – The film delves into the disturbing backstory of the spider’s web, a sinister object of religious symbolism tied to the characters’ tragic pasts and their descent into darkness.
Lee Bodecker’s Corruption – Sheriff Lee Bodecker, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, struggles with his own corruption and moral compromises as he attempts to maintain control over his small town, leading to a tense and climactic confrontation. Arvin’s Confrontation with the Preacher – Arvin confronts Reverend Preston Teagardin in a tense and dramatic showdown, challenging the preacher’s manipulative tactics and exposing his true nature to the world. The Final Standoff – The film builds towards a gripping and intense final standoff, as characters collide in a violent and chaotic climax that tests their convictions and ultimately determines their fates.
These memorable moments contribute to the film’s dark and compelling narrative, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.
Streaming Platforms
“The Devil All the Time” was available for streaming on Netflix. However, availability may vary depending on your region, so I recommend checking your local Netflix catalog or other streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or HBO Max to see if the movie is available for streaming. Additionally, it may also be available for rental or purchase on digital platforms like Google Play Movies, iTunes, and Vudu.
| Streaming Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Available (may vary by region) |
| Amazon Prime Video | Availability may vary |
| Hulu | Availability may vary |
| HBO Max | Availability may vary |
| Google Play Movies | Available for rental/purchase |
| iTunes | Available for rental/purchase |
| Vudu | Available for rental/purchase |
