The Devil’s Hand (2014)

The Devil’s Hand (2014) Classic thriller & slasher, the suspense is well built up, the ending not great, but good enough overall. A nice film to watch in the evening.

6 girls born on the 6th day of the 6th month… Basically, it’s similar to the Mormon TV films, except that this is about the Amish, a community that also lives apart from society and is ruled by a kind of guru who, under the guise of religion, indulges in atrocious and salacious acts. But unlike these TV films, which all look the same, the director mixes horror with a curse (666) and a killer on the prowl, resulting in a horrific thriller that isn’t frightening but is entertaining enough to have a good time.

All in all, this rather good film reminded me of the vibe of The Village, but the similarities end there. Given where the story was taking us, I thought I was in for a very unsettling finale, but it suddenly slips into the cliché of demonic possession films.

I came across this review: “It’s as if you were presented with a beautiful cupcake and then, at the last moment, they added a shit-based topping. Sorry for the image but that’s how I felt… a shame.” So, there’s some truth to it, even if it’s vulgarly expressed.

In fact, it has the air of a TV film, but is nonetheless enjoyable, because the atmosphere is there and the suspense is there right to the end. Despite its many flaws, the film is convincing enough to be appreciated.

The fact that we’re afraid the young woman will be killed may seem amusing once you’ve finished the film. I sincerely wish that this prophecy story had gone differently and that the film had ended as an even more classic slasher, because I really didn’t enjoy the ending. But it’s very difficult to say more without spoiling even more.

A film with quite a Satanist message, in the end! Rufus Sewell still has his extraordinary charisma and plays the father of the main girl. Alycia Debnam Carey plays his daughter, Mary, who is persecuted by the village. Jennifer Carpenter, always excellent, but in a thoroughly detestable role, in this case Mary’s stepmother. Thomas Mcdonell in a very sympathetic role as a young man from outside the village. And Colm Meaney plays the most detestable guy in the film. 3,5