Would you believe it if your brother said he trapped “The Devil?”
I Trapped the Devil is the new Christmas horror-drama from writer, director Josh Lobo. The core plot of the film focuses on a couple who visit their brother for the holidays, only to find out that he is keeping someone locked in his basement which he believes to be “The Devil.” What follows is a very interesting story that focuses on family, understanding, and the debate of whether or not Evil actually exists.
When Matty (played by genre favorite AJ Bowen) and his partner Karen (Southbound, XX and Stan Against Evil’s Susan Burke) arrive at their old family home to visit brother Steve, things seem a bit off. Steve, played by Scott Poythress, is haggard, paranoid and clearly upset at having visitors regardless of the fact that it’s Christmas. The reason for this is because he has the Devil trapped in the house and he believes something is coming.
Something is very wrong with Steve.
Warning: Spoilers (to avoid, skip to the next paragraph) Matt, Karen and Steve proceed to go through a night of back and forth talks about finding out what’s really going on. Matt is upset that his brother is traumatized and dangerous, Karen is against Steve holding a man captive, and Steve himself is having visions of his dead wife (a very surreal and unnerving sequence featuring a cameo by Jocelin Donahue) spiraling downwards into madness. Eventually it’s revealed that Evil is in the house and it’s in a form that only the most aware would expect.
Josh Lobo’s work here is excellent. I loved the tone and pacing of the film and recommend it highly to horror fans who love atmospheric, slow burns with dark cinematography and sound design. The cast does great work with the material and the reveal at the end benefits the film in spades. I’m already looking forward to rewatching this at Christmastime.
Out now in select theaters and VOD