For one, some of the acting is only so-so. Simon Clearly does an excellent job as Zachary, selling his character’s anguish and disturbing visions well. But some of the supporting cast, such as the actor playing a one-eyed bandit (who only appeared in my first run through, and I do not recall the character’s name), is really hammy and stilted. He throws one out of the film, as do a few of the other bit players.
But the vital side roles are acted well enough. Fitzpatrick, as the haunting visions appearing before Zachary, is both alluring and scary, making the protagonist’s grief that much more impactful. Cuthill, whose character appears a few times, depending on one’s choices, is also pretty good, allowing for brief glimpses of hope to shine through a dreary slog of self-loathing and nightmarish hallucinations.
“…ably creates a foreboding atmosphere, where Zachary’s grief and pain…is palpable…”
Secondly, the dialogue is often exposition-heavy or can get repetitive depending on the choices made. As such, despite the numerous ways of rewatching and altering the story, willing movie buffs would probably wait a good long while between each interaction, after the first two (as is the case with me). But, the conversations Zachary has with the other denizens of the road are chock full of engaging morsels, and the emotions always ring true.
‘Twas The Devil is an ambitious choose-your-folktale-style horror film anchored by an outstanding lead performance and an oppressive and moody atmosphere. While some of the supporting cast is not that good, and due to its very nature, the film can get repetitious, it is still an engaging story with an emotionally honest core. Garvey and his cast and crew prove that ambition and creativity go a long way when making an independent film.
"…ambition and creativity go a long way..."
