I Trapped the Devil is a 2019 American horror film written and directed by Josh Lobo (Dave Made a Maze). The movie stars AJ Bowen, Jocelin Donahue, Chris Sullivan, Scott Poythress, and Susan Burke. Josh Lobo co-produced the film with Spence Nicholson, Rowan Russell and film critic Scott Weinberg.
Plot:
Christmas is supposed to be a time for peace and joyful family reunions. However, when Matt (AJ Bowen) and his wife Karen (Susan Burke) show up unannounced at the home of his estranged brother Steve (Scott Poythress) to celebrate the holidays, they are instead greeted with a horrifying surprise: trapped in the basement is a man. But not just any man.
Steve believes that his hostage is none other than the devil himself. As shock and scepticism turn to fear and paranoia, Matt and Karen find themselves facing a terrifying quandary: is Steve dangerously unhinged? Or could the mysterious stranger really be evil incarnate? Either way, the stage is set for a true Christmas from Hell…
Reviews [click links to read more]:
“A slow-burn opening half of this film sets the stage well pacing wise for the conclusion. The chilling voice which pleads from behind a locked door is both inviting and concerning. Which ultimately leads to a strong finale where characters make difficult decisions based on what they believe to be right.” Possessed Radio
Only those unfamiliar with The Twilight Zone will find anything intriguing here. The production is minimal, dimly lit, Ben Lovett’s aggressive score doing much of the heavy lifting. I Trapped the Devil is a step above much of the flotsam and jetsam of the horror genre, but it is a disappointment from the IFC Midnight label.” Reeling Reviews
“I Trapped the Devil is a promising debut for its director, Josh Lobo, who despite having some shortcomings knows how to get by. Despite no real surprises, the film is interesting enough to give it a viewing.” Terror Weekend [translated from Spanish]
“The acting is solid, which it would have to be given the plot and small cast. Bowen and Poythress, (who were both in The Signal), are quite convincing as the very different brothers. Burke does a similarly good job of portraying the person caught between them. I Trapped the Devil is a genuinely creepy film and a very auspicious debut for Lobo.” Voices from the Balcony
Release:
I Trapped the Devil was released theatrically by IFC Midnight and on VOD platforms on April 26, 2019. The movie was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 20th via Scream Factory, in conjunction with IFC Midnight.
Cast and characters:
AJ Bowen … Matt – Edge of Insanity; Dead Night; The Signal; You’re Next; A Horrible Way to Die; et al
Jocelin Donahue … Sarah – Doctor Sleep; All the Creatures Were Stirring; Dead Awake; House of the Devil
Chris Sullivan … TBC – Stranger Things
Scott Poythress … Steve – The Signal
Susan Burke … Karen – Southbound
John Marrott … Cop #2
Rowan Russell … Cop #1
Working title:
A Man in the Dark
Trailer:
