The Devil All The Time
The release of The Devil All the Timehas everyone wondering where British actors Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland picked up their accurate southern accent.
Adapted from Donald Ray Pollocks’ novel and directed by Antonio Campos, the movie is organized around Arvins’ (Tom Holland) unlucky childhood, and the violent events that follow. Arvin’s parents meet when William Russel (Bill Skarsgård) stops by the diner Charlotte (Haley Bennet) is working at after returning from World War II. In that same diner, Carl Henderson (Jason Clarke), an older photographer and young waitress Sandy (Riley Keough) who received her job from her brother and police officer Lee Bodecker (Sebastian Stan) meet. After meeting in the diner, Carl and Sandy marry for inappropriate reasons with no intent on loving each other. However, William and Charlotte wed out of love, have one child and settle down for their unfortunate ending.
Major hardships land young Arvin in West Virginia with his extremely religious grandparents and stepsister, whose mother was victimized. Growing up, Arvin always made it a point to protect his sister, Lenora Laferty (Eliza Scanlen). A lesson his father taught him was to alway finish a fight. Things only begin to turn dark for Arvin when Reverend Preston Teagardin, (Robert Pattinson) arrives in their small town. When he first makes an appearance he is slick with scripture and the town grows fond of him. However, his truly wicked side is revealed, and he personifies religious hypocrisy. But in spite of that, Rev. Teagardin is the least of the disturbing and violent occurrences that happen throughout the movie.
This movie is a slow burner, but in the end has an overall great story. With sinister twists and corrupt characters, the director is able to bring together three different and intense stories interlacing them perfectly. The movie’s “R” rating is supported by heavy topics, graphic scenes and violence. Even though it takes a bit of patience and thinking to watch, in the end its unique ending and symbolism make it for a great watch.