Why the 2020 Tom Holland-Robert Pattinson drama isn't something you'd want to watch twice, despite its stellar cast

The Devil All The Time was released on September 11, 2020, and met with mostly mixed responses from critics. It was directed by Antonio Campos, who wrote it with Paulo Campos. It has been quite some time, and the film continues to fascinate viewers with its subject matter.

The Devil All The Time is a rare film that delves into the genre of Southern Gothic and touches upon the subgenre in the Southern underbelly of America. It's slick, dark, and gritty, with some really good performances by Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgard, Riley Keough, and others. But there's a catch to all this.

Disclaimer: This piece reflects the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

The Devil All The Time is too dark for repeat viewing

A still from The Devil All The Time | Image via Netflix YouTube

The Devil All The Time is about a bunch of people living in West Virginia and Ohio between the cusp of the Second World War and reaches the '60s. Based on the eponymous book, the film moves with several characters as they live their life.

Here's the official synopsis of the film,

"Sinister characters converge around a young man devoted to protecting those he loves in a postwar backwoods town teeming with corruption and brutality."

While there have been many dark films in the past, what sets The Devil All The Time apart is its depiction of how grief and animal instinct are dealt with. The characters make choices that lead to some really bizarre and borderline brutal situations.

The film starts off as a drama and quickly jumps into crime and thriller space without giving you a moment to relax. The shocking scenes in the film simply pile up until it's unbearable (for some people).

It's on the list of films that are great but cannot be watched more than once. Think of Requiem for a Dream or even Schindler's List. These are pieces of art, but their content is so bleak that it's hard to separate them to enjoy their art aspect.

Incredible performances in The Devil All The Time

The film has Tom Holland playing the role of Arvin Russell while Robert Pattinson is Rev. Teagardin. Both these actors go beyond their so-called comfort zone to depict real and raw emotions. Not to mention, names like Bill Skarsgard and Riley Keough are also present, and they are equally good.

The writing in the film manages to uplift the material that is already in good hands. The bleakness of the film doesn't let it become boring. However, it was panned for its long runtime. But once the storyline hooks you, it doesn't leave your grip until the credits roll. The storyline is like a sudden and nonstop adrenaline rush that has its great share of dull moments as well.

However, the film remains a gritty and brutal examination of human nature. It's not surprising that the film slipped under the radar despite having a stellar cast of actors. The subtle and sometimes loud portrayal of the gothic Southern feeling in the film is sprinkled throughout.

It could have gone bombastic in a lesser hand, but Campos manages to hold that grip, and the intensity never goes overboard. I have already made it clear that the film can't be watched twice. But not watching it even once might be a cardinal sin for a cinephile.

The Devil All The Time is available to watch on Netflix.