🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sean Byrne
- Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 19min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (24k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A metalhead family buys a house only to discover that demonic squatters’ rights are a real problem, and also art.
🍿 The Devil’s Candy: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Family’s New Home
Jesse Hellman, a struggling artist and metal enthusiast, moves his wife Astrid and daughter Zooey into a large, affordable farmhouse in rural Texas. The family is excited about the space and Jesse’s new studio in the barn. Unbeknownst to them, the house has a dark history.

Dark Inspirations
Shortly after moving in, Jesse begins experiencing disturbing visions and hearing voices that compel him to paint increasingly dark and violent imagery. His art takes on a new, macabre style that begins to consume him. He is unaware that these visions are related to the house’s past.

The Return of Ray
Ray Smilie, the hulking and mentally unstable son of the house’s former owners, returns to the property. Ray is a child killer driven by the same voices Jesse is now hearing. He becomes fixated on Zooey, creating tension and fear within the family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jesse Hellman (Ethan Embry): A struggling painter who becomes possessed by dark forces, fueling his art with sinister inspiration and endangering his family.
- Astrid Hellman (Shiri Appleby): Jesse’s wife and Zooey’s mother, who fights to protect her family from the evil forces influencing Jesse and their home.
- Ray Smilie (Pruitt Taylor Vince): The hulking, mentally unbalanced son of the previous owners, driven by voices to commit horrific acts.
- Zooey (Kiara Glasco): Jesse and Astrid’s metalhead daughter, who becomes a target of Ray’s obsession.
- Leonard (Tony Amendola): A local art gallery owner who recognizes Jesse’s talent.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Preacher: “We’ve come to the place where we joke about the idea of the devil. But that is Satan’s lie to distract us from the reality of who he is.” – The preacher warns about the true nature of evil and how it operates through human actions.
- Preacher: “He is an active, violent, anti-God personal reality. And as much as we refuse to admit it, he lives through us.” – This quote emphasizes the film’s theme of how evil can manifest within individuals and society.
- Preacher: “He will slither into your soul.” – The preacher warns about the insidious way evil can corrupt and possess individuals, highlighting the film’s central conflict.
- Jesse: “This is different. I’ve never had a muse before. It’s like it’s, it’s like somethin’.. It flowed through me.” – Jesse explains the new and intense feeling he has while painting, highlighting the mysterious and unsettling nature of his new inspiration.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $772,319
💥 The Devil’s Candy Reviews
Personal Review
I really got pulled into the world of The Devil’s Candy. The music was awesome and really set the tone. As a metalhead myself, the soundtrack really spoke to me! The movie was scary but also had a cool story about family. The ending kept me on the edge of my seat, and I definitely jumped a few times. Definitely worth a watch!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of psychological horror”
- “Viewers who appreciate indie horror films”
- “Those interested in themes of demonic possession and mental illness”
- “Horror fans who enjoy a strong atmosphere and tension”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Disturbing imagery”
- “Thematic elements of child endangerment”
- “Strong language”
- “Brief drug use”
Professional Reviews
- Bloody Disgusting: “The Devil’s Candy is a symphony of dread and distorted guitars. Sean Byrne crafts a visceral horror experience, focusing on atmosphere and character rather than cheap scares, making it a must-watch for genre fans.
- The Hollywood News: “A tense and unsettling thriller that dives into the darkness of obsession. While the plot may feel familiar, the performances and heavy metal soundtrack elevate the film, creating a memorable, if not terrifying, experience.
- Fangoria: “Byrne has a knack for building suspense, crafting a sense of unease that permeates every scene. The film is bolstered by strong performances, particularly from Embry and Taylor Vince, who bring a chilling authenticity to their roles.
Audience Reactions
The performances were amazing; Ethan Embry was phenomenal as Jesse, a struggling artist.: Viewers praised the acting and the intense, suspenseful atmosphere of the film.
The soundtrack was killer, perfectly complementing the dark and unsettling tone of the film.: The heavy metal music was frequently highlighted as a defining feature of the movie.
Overall Consensus: A well-received horror film praised for its atmosphere, acting, and unique blend of heavy metal music and supernatural themes, though some found the plot familiar.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Sean Byrne took a break from filmmaking after his debut, ‘The Loved Ones’, citing burnout and a need to recharge creatively.”
- “The film’s heavy metal soundtrack was carefully curated to enhance the atmosphere and reflect the characters’ personalities.”
- “Ethan Embry underwent a physical transformation for his role, gaining muscle and sporting a long-haired, tattooed look to embody the struggling artist.”
- “The house used for filming was chosen for its isolated location and unsettling aesthetic, contributing to the movie’s eerie atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Devil’s Candy?
The Devil’s Candy is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can also be found online and in stores. Some cable providers also offer the film on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Devil’s Candy, you might like these similar films:
- Sinister (2012): Both films explore the theme of a family moving into a house with a dark past and being haunted by supernatural forces that influence their lives.
- The Amityville Horror (1979): Shares the core concept of a family moving into a house with a disturbing history, leading to paranormal events and psychological distress.
- Hereditary (2018): Explores themes of family trauma, demonic possession, and the unraveling of mental stability in a deeply unsettling manner.
- The Loved Ones (2009): Also directed by Sean Byrne, known for its intense horror and dark themes, appealing to fans of Byrne’s unique style.
🛒 The Devil’s Candy Related Products
- The Devil’s Candy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [VINYL]: Limited edition vinyl pressing of The Devil’s Candy soundtrack. Features artwork inspired by the film and includes tracks from Metallica, Slayer, and more. A must-have for metalhead horror fans.
- Horror Movie Poster – The Devil’s Candy (24×36): High-quality poster featuring the iconic artwork from The Devil’s Candy. Ideal for decorating home theaters or for collectors looking to celebrate this modern horror classic.
- Heavy Metal Music Inspired Art Prints: Heavy Metal wall art print with distressed grunge textures on a professionally printed, ultra-premium matte photo paper with archival inks. Different sizes available.
- Gibson Flying V Electric Guitar: A replica of the electric guitar used in the movie. Includes high-quality hardware, a mahogany body, and a powerful sound perfect for metal and rock music. Ideal for fans and aspiring musicians.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Devil’s Candy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “For Whom the Bell Tolls” – performed by Metallica
- “Ripping Corpse” – performed by Deicide
- “Ambhydraulic” – performed by Sunn O)))
- “Diana” – performed by Electric Wizard
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Devil’s Candy is a horror film about a family who moves into a new home in rural Texas, only to be haunted by a dark presence connected to the house’s history and a mentally unstable former resident. The father, an artist, becomes possessed by demonic forces, leading to a terrifying confrontation.
Many viewers find The Devil’s Candy to be a genuinely unsettling and disturbing horror film, relying more on psychological tension and atmosphere than jump scares. Its themes of demonic possession, child endangerment, and mental instability contribute to its scare factor.
While the film is set in rural Texas, specific filming locations are not widely publicized. Post-production visual effects work was done in Estonia. The focus of the production remained on creating a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere regardless of location.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Devil’s Candy – Movie Review
Thinking of watching The Devil’s Candy but not sure if it’s your thing? This review breaks down the film’s pros and cons in under 3 minutes, giving you a solid idea of whether it’s worth your time. Honestly, I found this review super helpful before deciding to watch it myself!
The Most Underappreciated Horror Movies Released In 2017
Love discovering hidden gems in the horror genre? This video shines a light on some seriously underrated horror flicks from 2017, including The Devil’s Candy. I always appreciate lists like these, and this one’s got some surprising recommendations!
The Most WTF Movies of 2017
Into movies that are a little…out there? This video counts down the most ‘WTF’ films of 2017, and The Devil’s Candy made the list! If you’re looking for something truly different, this might be right up your alley…or scare you away. Either way, it’s worth a watch!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.