Director Antonio Campos’ The Devil All The Time explores the themes of violence, evil and religion while being the unofficial superhero crossover event of the year
Actor Tom Holland is violent in the new Netflix original. The film is an adaptation of Donald Ray Pollock’s novel The Devil All The Time and he serves as the narrator of this one. The movie’s timeline is sandwiched between the two Vietnam wars and its effects on a family. Set in the author’s actual hometown of Knockemstiff, Ohio, the story sees societal evils, religion, and God in small-town America.
One look at the movie’s ensemble coupled with depth of the original storyline, and The Devil All The Time lure you in right away. Take another look, and one will see the many superheroes that the movie packs in different roles.
Superheroes To Save The Day
To start with, Marvel’s Mysterio actor Jake Gyllenhaal has produced the movie. Wherein his nemesis, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, is playing the protagonist Arvin. While we have seen Holland growing up on screen with his numerous appearances as the web slinger, his acting chops are pleasantly surprising us with his each movie choice. The body of work he is creating with titles like Cherry, Onward, Chaos Walking and Uncharted — he has shown versatility as an actor.
Watch: The Devil All The Time Trailer | Netflix
The Devil All The Time follows Arvin (Holland) who has inherited violence from his father Willard Russell as a measure to protect his family. Played by actor Bill Skarsgård, Willard is a Vietnam War veteran who loves his wife and has a connection with God. He is an amalgamation of religion mixed with violence and love. Interestingly, Skarsgård will make his superhero debut next year in Robert Pattinson’s The Batman. The whereabouts of his character in Matt Reeves’ world are yet unconfirmed but he is definitely playing one of the bad guys.
The Bight And The Grey
In addition, new Batman on the block, Robert Pattinson plays Reverend Preston Teagardin. Moreover, in certain glimpses of the movie, one is bound to feel like he is channeling his inner Daniel Day-Lewis from There Will Be Blood. The period drama setting and the craziness Pattinson displays as the priest will definitely garner attention from the Award circuits. Furthermore, the movie cast a long time Avenger, Sebastian Stan as Sheriff Lee Bodecker who is motivated by the lust for power. He is currently shooting MCU’s Phase 4 offering The Falcon and The Winter Soldier series. The word is, that Stan replaced original Captain America Chris Evans for the role.
The movie also features Haley Bennett as Charlotte, Riley Keough as Sandy, Jason Clarke as Carl. Along with Mia Wasikowska as Helen and Melling Roy as Harry in prominent roles.
The Story
The narrative of the story starts with Bill Skarsgård but soon delves into Holland’s character. He faces tragedies beyond his control and seeks to punish whoever threatens him or his family. He has picked up the trait from his father who was a God fearing man. Each character arc has so much to say that it could be a separate chapter.
In the core of it, the theme is the aspects of our natures that we pick up from our patents. How a war-ridden soldier teaches his son the only thing he knows best – the use violence to solve issues or when faced with threats. Grief, pain and crime are the undertones that run throughout the movie. The movie feels a bit slow but it is a slow burning, dark, brooding thriller, after all.
Needless to say, the cast and the makers have done justice telling a unique story without any usual qualms.
