Demonic

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 20, 2021

Genre
Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Carly Pope as Carly
• Chris William Martin as Martin
• Michael J. Rogers as Michael
• Nathalie Boltt as Angela
• Terry Chen as Daniel

Director
Neill Blomkamp

Other Movies Director is Known For

• District 9 (2009)
• Elysium (2013)
• Chappie (2015)

Producer
Neill Blomkamp, Mike Blomkamp

Writer
Neill Blomkamp

Budget
Estimated $4 million

Production Company
AGC Studios, STXfilms, Oats Studios

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for strong violence, bloody images, and language throughout)

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Disturbing imagery
• Strong language
• Supernatural themes

Movie Story
“Demonic” is a horror film that blends supernatural elements with science fiction, offering a unique take on the genre. The story centers on Carly (Carly Pope), a young woman who has been estranged from her mother, Angela (Nathalie Boltt), for years. When Carly learns that her mother, who is in a coma after committing a series of violent crimes, is being treated at a secretive research facility, she reluctantly agrees to participate in an experimental procedure to communicate with her.

The experiment involves a cutting-edge technology that allows Carly to enter a simulated reality where she can interact with her mother’s consciousness. As Carly delves deeper into her mother’s mind, she discovers that Angela is possessed by a demonic force that has been influencing her actions. The film shifts between the real world and the digital simulation, creating a disorienting and eerie atmosphere.

As Carly confronts the demonic entity within the simulation, she begins to uncover a disturbing conspiracy involving the researchers, who have their own dark motives for conducting the experiment. The film escalates as the boundaries between the virtual world and reality blur, leading to a series of terrifying and violent encounters.

“Demonic” explores themes of family trauma, the dangers of advanced technology, and the battle between good and evil. The narrative is driven by Carly’s struggle to save her mother and herself from the malevolent force that has taken hold of their lives.

Special Effects
“Demonic” utilizes a mix of practical effects and digital technology, particularly in the scenes set within the simulated reality. The film features eerie and unsettling visuals, including the portrayal of the demonic entity and the distorted environments within the simulation. Neill Blomkamp’s signature style of blending gritty realism with futuristic technology is evident, creating a unique visual experience that enhances the horror elements of the film.

Box Office Performance
“Demonic” had a limited theatrical release and was also distributed through video on demand (VOD) platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with some praising its innovative approach to the horror genre, while others critiqued its pacing and narrative coherence. Despite its modest box office performance, the film garnered attention for its blend of horror and sci-fi elements.

Filming Locations

• British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “What if the demons we face are not just in our minds, but in the machines we create?” – Carly
• “Sometimes the past isn’t buried. It’s waiting to be unleashed.” – Michael

Behind-the-Scenes
“Demonic” was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Neill Blomkamp adapting the production to fit the restrictions and challenges posed by the global crisis. The film marked Blomkamp’s return to feature filmmaking after several years of focusing on short films and experimental projects through his Oats Studios. The use of cutting-edge technology in the film’s narrative reflects Blomkamp’s ongoing interest in the intersection of technology and humanity.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Demonic” is an ambitious horror film that combines supernatural terror with science fiction, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. While the film’s narrative may not appeal to everyone due to its unconventional structure and pacing, it delivers a visually intriguing and conceptually bold experience. Carly Pope’s performance as the lead character anchors the story, while Neill Blomkamp’s direction ensures that the film’s atmosphere is both eerie and immersive. Fans of horror with a sci-fi twist may find “Demonic” to be a thought-provoking and unsettling watch.

IMDb Rating
4.3/10