In 1977, on Halloween night during sweeps week for the show “Night Owls,” Delroy and his producers brainstorm a last-minute idea to boost ratings. They decide to create a spectacle-filled episode tapping into the cultural obsession with the occult. The guests include a medium, a skeptic, a parapsychologist, and a girl believed to be possessed. The narrator informs us that the master tapes have been found, preparing us for what we are about to witness. Get ready for a wild ride.
The characters in the show seem eerily familiar. Carmichael the Conjurer resembles James Randi, known for debunking claims of paranormal abilities on live TV. The film’s skeptic and mediums are reminiscent of real-life personalities like Randi and others who challenged paranormal beliefs. The dynamics between the characters play out in a tense and captivating manner.
The story also draws parallels to the controversial 1980 book “Michelle Remembers,” about ritual satanic abuse. The parapsychologist and her patient in the film evoke similar themes, with compelling performances that keep viewers on edge. The slow pace of the film mirrors the unfolding of the “Night Owls” episode, immersing us in the tension and suspense of live television.
Despite a few minor flaws, such as the inclusion of backstage footage during commercial breaks, the film effectively blurs the lines between reality and fiction. As we watch the events unfold, we are transported back to 1977, experiencing the thrill and terror of watching the show in real time. It’s a chilling reminder of the power of television to captivate and unsettle its audience.
