This psychological horror movie will leave you on edge: how Devil uses claustrophobia and human nature to trick the viewer

Claustrophobia is one of the deepest fears that can make your heart beat faster and your lungs constrict. In cinema, it becomes a particularly powerful tool for creating tension and anxiety.

One of the films that skillfully makes one uncomfortable is Devil (2010). Collider told us more about it .

The author of the idea, M. Night Shyamalan, known for his unforgettable plot twists, has given cinema many cult films that still leave you breathless. Among his works are real masterpieces, including the psychological horror Devil, released in 2010.

This film, directed by John Erick Dowdle, not only embodies all the skill of this director, but also captivates with its unusual atmosphere. In 80 minutes, it immerses the viewer in an unpredictable world filled with claustrophobia and tension, where every moment makes you question who is who.

Plot

Coincidences bring different people into an elevator: a security guard, a mechanic, an older woman, a young woman, and a businessman. When it gets stuck, the technicians try to help, but in vain. The tension inside grows, and when the lights start flickering, the first horrific attack occurs.

The plot of the movie, at first glance, seems simple: five people are stuck in an elevator, and one of them might be a serial killer. But in fact, with each scene, the horrific and mysterious events make us think that the devil himself is the culprit of the tangled story.

Tricks that leave you in suspense until the very end

The main advantage of Devil is its ability to create a tense atmosphere. The elevator as a place of action itself creates a sense of limitation and inevitability, and the cinematography skillfully emphasizes this effect. The camera constantly changes angles, which makes the audience feel uncomfortable.

The sound design also plays an important role in creating an intimidating aura. The initial melodies that play in the elevator seem peaceful, but eventually they are replaced by a heavy and disturbing soundtrack that accompanies the movie until the very end. This contrast creates the impression of a constantly growing danger, which forces the viewer to be alert throughout the entire viewing experience.

In addition to the psychological tension, the film adds religious and satanic motifs that further enhance its impact. The security guard Ramirez, one of the characters in the film, constantly recalls the ancient legends his mother told him. They were about the devil coming to Earth to punish sinners. These stories add a mystical touch to the plot and make the viewer doubt the rationality of the events.

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