Sean Byrne’s 2015 horror film, The Devil’s Candy, is a hauntingly effective exploration of the power of faith, family, and relationships. The story follows Jesse Hellman, a metalhead and painter, who moves his family to a rural farmhouse with his wife Astrid and daughter Zooey. As they settle into their new home, Jesse begins to succumb to a dark force, causing him to lose track of time and reality. Meanwhile, the house’s previous owner, serial killer Ray Smilie, stalks Zooey, seeking to appease dark forces.
The pacing of the film is expertly crafted, expertly balancing tension and relief to create a sense of unease that permeates the entire movie. Byrne’s realistic portrayal of Jesse’s descent into darkness is both believable and terrifying, as the audience is forced to confront the very real threat to Jesse and Zooey’s relationship. The film’s use of religious imagery adds depth to the themes of good and evil, as Jesse and Zooey embody the pure and holy aspects of human nature.
Sean Byrne’s 2015 horror film, The Devil’s Candy (Photo: The Devil’s Candy)
The relationship between Jesse and Zooey is genuinely endearing, with the two sharing a deep bond that is threatened by the supernatural forces threatening their family. The film’s portrayal of good and evil is not overtly Christian, but rather uses religious imagery and concepts to explore the human condition. Jesse’s character, with his long hair and well-trimmed beard, and Zooey’s dyed hair, are an adorable pair, and their connection is strengthened by their shared love of metal music.
As the film builds towards its climax, the tension becomes almost unbearable. The showdown between Jesse and Ray is intense and nerve-rattling, with flames and fire consuming the screen. The film does not shy away from gore, showing the brutality of Ray’s actions as he seeks to achieve his goal. The ending is a fitting conclusion to the story, with the bright orange and red color palette reminiscent of 1976’s Carrie.
Ultimately, The Devil’s Candy is a film about the power of faith, not necessarily in religion or God, but in family and loved ones. The emotional journey of the protagonists is what makes the film so endearing, as the audience is forced to confront the very real threat to their relationship. The film is an emotional, grounded, yet still nightmarish experience, making it a truly frightening horror film about a father-daughter relationship.
