PLATFORM: NETFLIX | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
Lodged between World War II and the Vietnam War, The Devil All the Time tells the story of Arvin (Tom Holland) whom, while protecting his family from unforgiving forces, is trying to live with a traumatic past. For fans of the original source material, you will be pleased to notice that the narration is done by none other than the author of the book himself, Donald Ray Pollock.
Disturbingly setting the stage is Arvin’s Father, Willard (Bill Skarsgård), who is vital when it comes to influencing Arvin’s future actions, and protective nature. Maybe most importantly, he proves to Arvin that you can fight your corner, if you pick the right moment. Also doing a terrifying, but precise job at nailing the gruesome tone in its opening segment is a frantic, and career changing turn from Harry Melling, as the maddening preacher Roy.
Accompanying the main plot are isolated stories that have frightening, corrupt leads obeying their delusional thoughts. From Robert Pattinson, Sebastian Stan, Jason Clarke, and Riley Keough, we dig into the chilling side of their acting portfolios, and it’s this effort that makes for satisfying viewing when our hero Arvin is seemingly forced to cross their paths.
Antonio Campos and Paulo Campos have made a shocking, complex film, that behind the curtain describes the intense connection humans can have with religion, and how that belief in a higher being can at times be taken advantage of to cover up evil acts. This is one of the most ruthless, yet gripping Netflix Originals to date.
