Some people are boycotting Night with the Devil because of the use of AI. Here’s what the directors say
Ever since production was first announced in 2022, people have been going wild for the upcoming horror film Late night with the devilwith many marking it as a “must-have” on their 2024 movie schedule. Inspired by late-night talk shows of the 1970s, it offers a fresh take on the found footage and exorcism subgenres. A few days ago, just before its official release in theaters across the United States, fans of X (formerly known as Twitter) began posting about alleged evidence of AI use in the movie. not happy, some even declaring that they would boycott the film all together. The administrators have now issued a statement to clarify the situation.
In addition Late at night, directing duo Cameron and Colin Cairnes have a few other indie horror films under their belt, full of gory, stomach-churning fun. When they spoke to Variety and provided a statement in response to fan outcry, they confirmed that they did use AI briefly in the next movie. They also said that they experimented with the images and then their team added their own edits to them. The directors said:
It all started after a scathing review of the film was published on Letter box. The user wrote: “There’s AI all over the cuts and ‘we’ll be right back’ network messages.” » This post garnered more than 4,000 likes and 200 comments in just a few days, so it’s no wonder that X fans quickly caught wind of it. A few users even took it upon themselves to determine if AI could be identified in footage taken from the film before the release date. As seen below, this user found that AI usage was 99.8% likely from a single image.
for anyone doubting late at night with the devil, use AI. very disappointing to hear about this. can’t stand it. don’t pay to watch it. pic.twitter.com/A9G8HQGz8jMarch 20, 2024
As conversations on the platform continued and more people became aware of the situation, users were vocal in expressing their disappointment. Along with the boycott, some of them also wrote about what they thought about the ethics behind AI and questioned why a real artist wasn’t used to create the graphics. Here’s what some of them had to say:
- @PoorOldRoloTony: I want to watch Late at night with THE Devil This weekend? Easy!! Buy a ticket for a film that is not showing AI(Love Lies Bleeding), and just enter. Remember, THE the filmmakers did it themselves! #LateBoycottWithTheDevil
- @Goldxn_Violin: We do not devalue THE work of THE cast and crew Late at night with THE Devil by criticizing THE the use of AI. Whoever decided to use AI instead of hiring an artist, I did this.
- @ball_kn0wer: I’m really crushed by this Late at night with THE Devil used AI instead of paying a real artist, I was so excited for this. I love Dastmalchian
- @emmee7878: I was super excited to see Late Night With The Devil, but finding out they used AI art to save time now makes me disinterested in the movie. It’s rubbish!
When it premieres at SXSW in 2023, Late night with the devil was very well received, not only because of its originality, but also because it allowed David Dastmalchian to really shine in a leading role. Known for its brief work alongside Heath Ledger In The black Knightseveral roles in superhero films, and die on screen On several occasions, Dastmalchian became a household name in many film genres. You never really know when he’s going to step in and make you say, “Hey, I didn’t know he was here!” »
Since its screening in Austin, the film has received many positive receptions. It currently has a Tomatometer score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoeswith many rave reviews about the costumes, dark humor and 70s nostalgia. Late night with the devil will be in theaters near you starting March 22. On April 19 you will be able to stream it and many others fan favorite horror movieswith a Subscription Frisson.