Generally, films can either present stories that take place in the “real world” or they can attempt to create a fictional universe with different norms than we’re used to. Take, for example, most crime dramas, which take place in a familiar reality, then consider something like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where superheroes live among us and are a normal part of everyday life. Not to discredit the challenge of making any film, but to create an alternate universe is a pretty difficult thing to tackle. To paint an alternate reality in a film on a limited budget, now that’s just downright ill-advised. The new film from director Thomas Smith, Demon Squad, does a fine job of creating an alternate reality, where demons live among us and sets a classic film noir story within this interesting universe.
Demon Squad, which appears to have undergone a couple re-titles (from Full Moon Inc, to Night Hunters, to Demon Squad), is a by-the-numbers film noir movie that just to happens to take place in a world where demons, monsters, and magic are all around us. The film throws us right into this world, opening in a bar for demons and beings (outfitted with charming face appliances which give them horns, extra eyes, etc.) and expands into a detective yarn that revolves around obtaining a mystical dagger before it falls in the wrong hands. Our main character is a wise-cracking P.I. named Nick Moon (Khristian Fulmer) who happens to possess some magical powers of his own. Moon arrives at his office one day to find a mysterious woman with a difficult case to solve, a classic noir set-up. Many of the beats in the film are pulled right from the black and white detective film handbook, but this movie has the added elements of monsters and magic.
Demon Squad does have its shortcomings. Being that it is otherwise a very faithful tribute to film noir, it lacks the moody jazz-type soundtrack that gave the classic genre so much of its atmosphere. There were a few scenes that would have benefited greatly from a breathy saxophone line and really could have sold the classic mystery feel. Also, in committing so hard to the film noir approach, the story can sometimes feel too derivative. Even with magical powers, some steampunk-type props, criminals with glowing eyes and horns sticking out of their faces, and a dash of H.P. Lovecraft, certain scenes just felt a bit too familiar.
In all, this is a film with its heart in the right place. It’s a good example of a film that succeeds in creating an alternate reality on a limited budget. A few of the performances are great, particularly Khristian Fulmer’s Nick Moon and his very likable sidekick, Daisy O’Reilly (Erin Lilley). Fans looking for a graphic horror films with buckets of gore and grue may not find much to enjoy here, but if you’re looking for a comic book-style detective story with magic and demons, this one is definitely worth a look.
Demon Squad is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
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