An odd feature film, Where the Devil Roams delves into the intricate layers of a family in the throes of maladjustment. In their latest visually stunning horror title, these unconventional filmmakers portray a transient family of sideshow performers in Depression-era America. Toby Poser, John Adams, and their daughters Zelda and Lulu are known for their previous horror films such as The Deeper You Dig (2019) and Hellbender (2021). They have long explored the themes of maintaining family integrity amidst personal growth and challenges. This filmmaking family is also known for being decidedly not mainstream.
The characters in “Where the Devil Roams” are all scarred by their past. Maggie (Toby Poser), haunted by an abusive childhood, channels her impulses for serial killing into acts of revenge. But only against the privileged. Stepfather Seven (John Adams), traumatized from his experience in the First World War, has a complete meltdown at the sight of blood. Eve (Zelda Adams), their daughter, is gifted with a singing voice. When she isn’t singing she is ostentatiously mute.
Where the Devil Roams opens with the sight of a small carnival act. Lacking a crowd big enough to pay the sideshow performers already trying to make a living, Maggie, Seven, and Eve comprise a dance routine trio. Their show includes an original song.
Eve notices that their small audience is more interested in a spectacle nearby put on by a notorious magician, Mr. Tibbs (Sam Rodd.) Mr. Tibbs is known for a ghastly and macabre act. As he stands calmly slicing off his fingers one by one with rusty scissors his small group of onlookers are mesmerised. The next day, Mr. Tibbs returns to repeat his horrifying performance commencing with the fingers reattached as if they were never hacked off in the first place.
Where the Devil Roams Ending
Eve learns that Mr. Tibbs’ magic trick is the result of a deal with the devil. Although he can cut off his appendages knowing they can be returned to their original state, he has to be very careful not to cut off something that might make it impossible to recover from. “Where The Devil Roams” ties together this demonic power and a family that has experienced horrors themselves.
In a twist of cruel fate, the struggling carnival folk hear that their home has been sold to a wealthy man. The family unites, placing a blindfold on Seven so that he can be present without being exposed to the blood about to be spilled. Eve and Maggie descend upon the man’s home with violent intentions, killing him viciously. Following this bloody attack, they turn their attention towards anyone else in the town who looks even slightly affluent. But they make a terrible mistake during their killing spree. Subsequently, they return to the carnival grounds in search of Mr. Tibbs.
Where the Devil Roams 2023 unfolds in two distinct halves. The first explores the dynamics of a family of killers. There is a strained and impactful scene towards the end of the film that lays bare a surreal breakdown of the family unit. Like many of this family’s previous titles Where the Devil Roams stresses the black and Satanic magic. The second half forces the viewer to lean into the decision of choosing whether Eve’s unraveling mind, is the result of a Satanic force or not. Whichever viewpoint you choose, I liked the idea that we might never be able to escape our own lineage. Perhaps our parental figures remain inside us, even after death.
Supernatural Horror Movies
“Where the Devil Roams” captures the intense dark enchantment this filmmaking family is known for. Another title from Wonder Wheel Productions depicts a surreal and dreamy aesthetic. It also adds an original score and beautiful visuals. This is a title for the lovers of weird and spiritual films. It also caters to the dark and twisted crowd of horror movie enthusiasts.
Nightmare on Film Street has an in-depth review of Where the Devil Roams. Looking for the 2024 release horror movie by The Adams Family? Read about Hell Hole here and watch the trailer.
Where the Devil Roams Movie Trailer
Directed and written by John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Poser.
Produced by Wonder Wheel Productions and Distributed by Yellow Veil Pictures.
Where the Devil Roams review is rated
3 sloppy fingers out of 5
