Cast
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Alexz Johnson
as Dominique
Miriam McDonald
as Heather
Deanna Casaluce
as Georgia
Magda Apanowicz
as Ursula Wilson
Andrea Brooks
as Effi
Tyler Boissonnault
as Craig
Brian Krause
as Father Mulligan
Laura Carswell
as Lisa
Jake LeDoux
as Nate
Andrew Francis
as Andy
Jason Calder
as Frank
Aleks Holtz
as Kyle
Malcolm Scott
as Mr. Rogers
Moses Tang
as Joey
Avan Jogia
as Teenage Boy #1
Crew
Director
- Farhad Mann
Writer
- John Benjamin Martin
Producer
- Kirk Shaw
Reviews
Wuchak
**_The book from hell at a high school in the Great Northwest_**
Two outcast teen girls find a mysterious book with blank pages. As one of them (Magda Apanowicz) uses the ‘diary’ to get revenge on adversaries at school, the other (Alexz Johnson) starts to see negative changes in her friend. As they say, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
“Devil's Diary” (2007) is high school horror in the mold of "Christine" in which a persecuted misfit gains an advantage from some dubious source and proceeds to wreak vengeance on his or her harassers. “The Rage: Carrie 2” and "The Unhealer" are other examples of this subgenre.
While this one isn’t as good as those three films, it thankfully breaks from formula 40 minutes in, which places it in the ballpark of TV occult horror flicks like “Bay Coven” and "Satan's School for Girls" (2000). Although it’s not as good as the former, it’s superior to the latter (the 1973 version as well). As a television production, there’s a simplicity and comic book air to the proceedings. Don’t look for cinematic artistry.
So, whereas the set-up is too brisk and by-the-numbers prosaic, “Devil’s Diary” should be respected for trying something different and adding to the hackneyed recipe. In addition, Deanna Casaluce is a highlight on the feminine front (Georgia) while statuesque Laura Carswell is worth a mention (Lisa).
If you liked "Bad Girls From Valley High" or “Disturbing Behavior” you’ll probably appreciate this one, although it’s a notch or two lower on the production level.
The film runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia.
GRADE: B-
Aug 27, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Devil's Diary presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Farhad Mann brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Devil's Diary took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 886 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Devil's Diary shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Devil's Diary offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Prep Room and Little Blue explore similar territory, Devil's Diary stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 22, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
