The Devil All The Time (2020) Movie Review

Antonio Campos’ adaptation of Donald Ray Pollock’s “The Devil All the Time” is a bold and sprawling drama that explores the dark side of humanity through multiple generations impacted by violence in the heartland of America. With so much going on under its surface and an array of characters to keep track of, some elements of the film are minimized, making it feel like it would have worked better as a mini-series. However, the film's ambitious scope and willingness to bite off more than it can chew ultimately override any shortcomings, resulting in a memorable and powerful experience for viewers.

“The Devil All the Time” is a story about faith and evil, and how they often intertwine through the years. Men of the cloth commit heinous crimes, and their flock is left to struggle with issues of life and death. Shot on film, the movie has a gritty and tactile feel that immerses viewers in the story's dark and violent world. It's not for the faint of heart, as the film portrays the harsh reality of life in the heartland, where tragedy and murder impact various families.

The movie centers around the Russell family, starting with Willard Russell (Bill Skarsgård), a World War II veteran who returns home to Knockemstiff, Ohio, carrying the heavy weight of PTSD. Willard's trauma is fused with faith, stemming from the day he came upon a man who had been crucified in the Pacific theater of the war. Willard's son, Arvin (Michael Banks Repeta), is nine when the movie begins, and he's exposed to violence and faith at an early age. Willard teaches Arvin to respond to violence with violence and even to believe that sacrifice may be the answer.

However, the film is much more than just the story of the Russell family. From these promising early scenes, the script spirals out into multiple other stories of people connected to the Russell family, each with their own set of problems and issues. This includes a corrupt cop named Lee Bodecker (Sebastian Stan) and his sister Sandy (Riley Keough), who is married to a serial killer named Carl (Jason Clarke). The film then jumps forward to an older Arvin (Tom Holland), still in Knockemstiff and trying to protect his half-sister Lenora (Eliza Scanlen), whose mother (Mia Wasikowska) was murdered by a preacher (Harry Melling). Another corrupt preacher named Preston Teagardin (Robert Pattinson) enters the narrative, and Arvin must decide if he can break the cycle of violence.

The film is a lot to take in, with every scene weighted with thematic and narrative importance. It's easy to get lost in the intricate web of characters and stories, and sometimes the movie feels like it's pushing forward through too much death and violence. At times, it would be nice for the film to breathe and capture life instead. However, the performances are strong, even those with limited screen time. Skarsgård is particularly impressive as a man struggling with PTSD, and Holland shows off his range in a role he may not have been expected to carry. Keough and Clarke are a disturbing pair of partners in crime, and Pattinson's divisive performance as the corrupt preacher is surprisingly effective in its campy approach.

In the end, “The Devil All the Time” is a stark and brutal collection of vignettes that offers a glimpse into the darkest aspects of the human condition. It's a movie that won't appeal to everyone, with its harsh depictions of violence and religion, but it's a rewarding experience for those willing to take the journey. The film's willingness to tackle big themes and explore complex characters is admirable, even if it doesn't always work perfectly.