Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heavy metal horror has violence, supernatural threat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Devil's Candy
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE DEVIL'S CANDY, Jesse (Ethan Embry), his wife Astrid (Shiri Appleby), and their daughter Zooey (Kiara Glasco), move into a new home, which was heavily discounted because of a previous death. What the realtor didn't divulge, is the nature of the death and the satanic link to troubled ex-resident Ray (Pruitt Taylor Vince). At first, all seems well, but when artist Jesse starts to paint unexplained images of child death and torture, and a creepy figure starts appearing at the home, the family must figure out how to survive the threat—whether human or supernatural.
Is It Any Good?
This stylish heavy metal horror is a solid follow-up to director Sean Byrne's celebrated debut, The Loved Ones. In comparison, The Devil's Candy is a more restrained affair that relies on a familiar premise but heightens it with a scene-stealing soundtrack and some great performances. There's no comedy here and the violence is more implied than the torture-fest of his first film, but the threat looms large and there are plenty of atmospheric shots that make an impact. Embry is particularly strong in the lead role, as a sensitive and dedicated father, who shares his heavy metal obsession with his teen daughter, and struggles to find meaning in his commercial art—until it takes on a life of its own. Taylor Vince steals most scenes that he's in, giving depth to a character that could have otherwise been one-dimensional. The film purposely leaves some things ambiguous, but not in a way that takes from the impact of the story. Byrne shows restraint in avoiding over explanation and leaving the well-developed characters, and their actions, to speak for themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Devil's Candy. Did you think it was the right level or was there too much? What were some of the moments that stood out as particularly scary or gory for you? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How did the movie use sound to ramp up the fear? How was heavy metal music utilized? Can you think of other movies that have used music to memorable effect in horror movies? How do they compare?
How was family portrayed in the movie? How would you describe the Hellman family unit? In what ways did the characters show a healthy family dynamic? How did their relationship help them in the film?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 17, 2017
- Cast : Ethan Embry , Shiri Appleby , Kiara Glasco , Pruitt Taylor Vince
- Director : Sean Byrne
- Studio : IFC Midnight
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 79 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 3, 2026
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