Mental health often rears its head in horror, blurring the lines of reality and surreality under the guise of visions plaguing a character’s psyche. It can be both an important representation to give a greater insight and break down stigma, though it can also be a hindrance as it demonises those who suffer from mental health issues. Thankfully, George McCluskey’s twisty horror thriller The Devil Came Home errs on the side of the former.
The film follows veteran Tim (Greg Hobbs) who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following his time in the army. His outbursts intensify and begin to affect his wife Elaine (Diana Ellis) and stepdaughter Mindy (Jade Callender), with Tim beginning to suspect his trauma may not be the root cause.
The low-budget chiller has less lashings of gore and jump scares and more slow-burn horror, a spine-chilling atmosphere, and intense character development that helps drive home the harrowing effects of war. Much of the horror of the film comes from Tim’s suffering, so much so that the question of whether he is possessed or not comes second to the horrific actions he inflicts on his family and Hobbs’ stellar performance.
McCluskey builds a steady sense of dread throughout the film, helped by its character-driven narrative and limited locations that come from having to utilise a small budget. The Devil Came Home is nothing new for horror fans, but it’s a solid film with fully fleshed-out characters and a sympathetic take on mental illness with effective supernatural elements that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
THE DEVIL CAME HOME is available to rent/buy digitally in the UK via Amazon and Sky Store
