The Devil All the Time (2020), directed by Antonio Campos, is a chilling psychological thriller based on Donald Ray Pollock’s novel of the same name. Set in the gritty, post-World War II Midwest, this haunting film weaves a tapestry of interlocking stories that explore themes of faith, violence, and the consequences of generational trauma.

🎞️ Film Details

• Title: The Devil All the Time
• Release Date: September 16, 2020
• Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama, Crime
• Director: Antonio Campos
• Screenwriters: Antonio Campos, Paulo Campos (based on the novel by Donald Ray Pollock)
• Producers: Jake Gyllenhaal, Randall Poster, Max Born
• Production Companies: Nine Stories Productions, BorderLine Films
• Runtime: 138 minutes
• Rating: R
• Box Office: Netflix original release (no theatrical box office numbers)
• Narration: Donald Ray Pollock

📖 Plot Overview

Spanning two decades, the film follows multiple characters in rural Ohio and West Virginia, each struggling with their demons and intertwined by fate.

• Arvin Russell (Tom Holland): A young man grappling with the violent legacy of his father and seeking justice in a world plagued by corruption and cruelty.
• Willard Russell (Bill Skarsgård): Arvin’s troubled father, whose faith leads him down a destructive path.
• Reverend Preston Teagardin (Robert Pattinson): A sinister preacher who manipulates and exploits his congregation.
• Carl and Sandy Henderson (Jason Clarke and Riley Keough): A twisted couple who lure victims for their macabre photography scheme.

The film builds to a crescendo of violence and redemption, showcasing the moral complexities of its characters and the harsh realities of their world.

🎭 Cast Highlights

• Tom Holland as Arvin Russell: A gripping and nuanced performance showcasing Holland’s range beyond his Spider-Man persona.
• Robert Pattinson as Reverend Preston Teagardin: Pattinson delivers a chilling portrayal of a manipulative and morally bankrupt preacher.
• Bill Skarsgård as Willard Russell: A deeply affecting performance as a man consumed by trauma and misguided faith.
• Riley Keough as Sandy Henderson: A hauntingly tragic figure, caught in a cycle of violence.
• Jason Clarke as Carl Henderson: A cold and calculating predator with a penchant for manipulation.
• Sebastian Stan as Sheriff Lee Bodecker: A corrupt lawman whose personal ambitions cloud his morality.

✨ Why You Should Watch

• Interwoven Storylines: The film’s nonlinear structure creates a rich and layered narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.
• Complex Characters: Each character is deeply flawed yet compelling, making their choices and fates gripping to watch.
• Themes of Faith and Morality: The movie explores the darker side of faith and the human capacity for violence and redemption.
• Stunning Performances: A powerhouse cast delivers emotionally charged and memorable performances.
• Atmospheric Cinematography: The film’s moody visuals and period-accurate settings immerse viewers in the bleak world of the story.

🎥 Fun Facts About the Movie

1. Author’s Involvement: Donald Ray Pollock, the author of the original novel, serves as the film’s narrator, adding authenticity to the storytelling.
2. Intense Filming: Robert Pattinson reportedly developed his own unique accent for Reverend Teagardin without consulting a dialect coach.
3. Period Details: The production team meticulously recreated the 1950s and 1960s rural Midwest, adding to the film’s authenticity.

📌 Where to Watch

The Devil All the Time is available exclusively on Netflix.

Step into this gripping and morally complex tale that examines the interplay of fate, faith, and the darkness within. What are your thoughts on the film’s portrayal of humanity and its flaws? Share your insights below! 🌌🕊️✨