THE DEVIL'S FAMILIAR

Cinemavixion Review

In the realm of found footage horror, Kieran Edwards' "The Devil's Familiar" emerges as a compelling, albeit low-budget, exploration of local legend and unsolved crime. Set in the United Kingdom, the film adopts a documentary style, presenting its narrative through footage anonymously submitted to the police. This premise immediately draws the viewer into a chilling mystery surrounding the 2006 Ribbesford Woods Murders. The plot centers on two film students, Elliott Mooney and Jake McIntyre, who delve into the case for their university degree. They, along with zoologist Logan (David Clarke) and Rex, whose brother vanished that fateful night, investigate the possibility that the convicted woman, Sally Edwards, is innocent and a mythical creature is the true culprit. The film effectively builds suspense as the group ventures into the ominous woods seeking answers, only to uncover a truth more terrifying than they could have imagined. While "The Devil's Familiar" may not boast the polish of mainstream horror, its strength lies in its atmospheric tension and commitment to the found footage aesthetic. The narrative, which also credits Kieran Edwards as writer, is particularly effective in weaving a tale of local folklore with a dark, criminal undercurrent. Though its IMDb rating of 3.1 suggests a divisive reception, the film offers a unique, gritty take on the genre, making it a noteworthy watch for fans of investigative horror and British mysteries. It was notably screened at Horror on Sea 2020, indicating its presence within the independent horror circuit.