Review by Dr Karen Oughton
Stars Billy Clarke, Jack Gordon, Jonathan Hansler, Harry Miller
Written by Sean Hogan
Cinematography by Nicola Marsh
Produced by Jennifer Handorf & Jay Slater
Certification UK 18
Runtime 75 minutes
Directed by Sean Hogan
Can gangsters exist alongside devil worship without scares slipping into silliness and credibility becoming tenuous? This was the challenge facing director Sean Hogan's latest project, The Devil's Business, and Satan himself would approve of this offering.
The story begins as follows: we are introduced to Pinner (Billy Clarke) and Cully (Jack Gordon), a hit man and his apprentice who are lying in wait for a former associate of their boss. The older man tells mysterious tales of strange things he's seen while working in this most secular underworld world in which money and guns are the grim reality. It is shortly following this that they find an altar and evidence of a more diabolical death than they can contemplate.
The Devil's Business gets the balance between fantasy and realism largely right, which is extremely impressive considering how far it pushes both aspects. It is beautifully lit and shot, which, rather than just looking sumptuous, actually adds to the theme by emphasising that regardless of the age and experience, both men must consider whether they can deal with the devilry of death in a very human way..
The acting and direction are practically perfect. You really feel for these characters despite the huge tonal shifts they have to accomplish. Billy Clarke deserves special mention as the supposedly cold and cynical hit man who hides a softer heart, while Jonathan Hansler (Kist) provides a genuine sense of indescructible menace and a perfect 'Devil may care' attitude.
Indeed, the realism (albeit stylised) can appear to be at odds with some of the design in the latter part of the story, particularly in terms of the makeup. Hogan has stated that the design is entirely intentional and while it does add to the film's themes, it risks appearing a little far-fetched in comparison to the look of the earlier narrative. That said, the story's structure ensures that the characters cleverly form a bridge that that links the real and the surreal with a sense of menace.
The Devil's Business mixes the secretive and dangerous world of gangsters with a realistic telling of dealings with the devil. It gives its audience money shots in terms of character and all-out visuals. In doing so, it will stay with you and, like Pinner, you'll be discussing 'The Devil's Business' late into the night...
• The Devil's Business at IMDb