The Devil’s Candy – Review

This was a low-budget horror flick that for me worked despite its meh title. I have seen plenty of complaints about it which does surprise me a bit since I like it and think its simple setup is decently effective.

We begin in Texas, and what isn’t scary there? Inside a residence, Raymond Smilie (Vince) immediately makes things uncomfortable with a middle of the night electric guitar session, waking his mother. Things don’t end well.

Painter Jesse Hellman (Embry) rocks out to music while in the garage and spreading colors on a large canvas. His wife Astrid (Appleby) and daughter Zooey (Glasco) are waiting for him to check out a house to look at purchasing.

It’s a spacious and affordable residence. The catch? Two deaths in the home, but a low price accordingly. People love a bargain though, and these were old folk and mostly natural, not murder. Jesse and Astrid confer… he will have to pick up more painting commissions, as her salary alone won’t be enough.

So, death house is on the table. Raymond Smilie, whose eyes rattle around his head like he’s playing connect the dots has been hearing some pretty creepy stuff, and is also around. As parties collide, we are put to a test of tension and high-stakes survival. Surely nothing weird will happen!

The Devil’s Candy is a short-n-sweet film which is effective, dark and wild. The basic plot setup has been done before, but the film refines a fairly sharp edge as it goes despite any budgetary restrictions. The acting is okay, and the tone is appropriately odd. A general discomfort registers heavily and oppressively when necessary, and things get graphic by the end. I am not sure what I would have named it myself, but it does not hold my favorite title of all time. Regardless, it’s worth a watch for fans of horror.