Directed by: J.M. Stelly
Starring: Brian Krause, Lara Grice, Thomas Francis Murphy
Genre: Horror / Supernatural Thriller
Runtime: 100 minutes

Introduction

Released in 2018, The Demonologist is a low-budget supernatural horror film that attempts to blend noir detective tropes with demonic lore, drawing on religious mysticism and occult symbolism. Directed and written by J.M. Stelly, the film stars Brian Krause, best known for his role in Charmed, as a grizzled detective who finds himself at the center of a terrifying battle between good and evil. While the movie shows ambition in its narrative and aesthetic choices, it ultimately falls short due to uneven execution and underwhelming special effects. Still, it remains an interesting example of indie horror filmmaking that aims higher than its production budget allows.

Plot Summary

Detective Damien Seryph (Brian Krause) is a cynical, world-weary New Orleans police detective investigating a series of grisly murders involving ritualistic symbols and unexplained phenomena. The killings soon reveal a pattern: each victim is connected to the occult, and the murders appear to be the work of a cult attempting to awaken an ancient demonic force.

As Damien delves deeper, he learns that he is not just a bystander in the events unfolding around him—he is, in fact, the key. With the help of a mysterious scholar and a fellow officer, Damien uncovers a chilling prophecy that he is the chosen one meant to battle an ancient evil. Struggling with his dark past and personal demons, he must accept his role as “The Demonologist,” someone fated to face supernatural threats head-on.

Strengths

1. Atmosphere and Setting

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its use of location. Set in New Orleans, a city with a rich history of voodoo, mysticism, and eerie Southern Gothic architecture, the film captures a moody and foreboding atmosphere. The shadowy alleyways, candle-lit interiors, and stormy nights add a palpable sense of dread that fans of atmospheric horror will appreciate.

2. Brian Krause’s Performance

Brian Krause delivers a grounded and gritty performance as Damien Seryph. While the script doesn’t always support his talents, he manages to lend the character a weary gravitas that makes him more believable. His transformation from skeptic to reluctant believer is one of the more compelling aspects of the movie.

3. Ambition in Storytelling

The narrative is bold in scope, drawing inspiration from religious mythology, apocalyptic prophecy, and ancient cults. There’s a clear attempt to create a larger mythos, akin to films like Constantine or The Ninth Gate, with recurring references to biblical texts, angelic intervention, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. While the execution falters, the ambition behind the concept is admirable.

Weaknesses

1. Weak Script and Dialogue

The script is perhaps the film’s weakest link. Much of the dialogue feels unnatural and expository, with characters often stating the obvious or launching into awkward monologues about ancient lore. There’s also a lack of depth in character development—most secondary characters are reduced to plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The pacing suffers as a result, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed.

2. Low Production Values

While indie horror often thrives on creativity over budget, The Demonologist struggles with its limited resources. Special effects—particularly the CGI used for demonic apparitions and ritual scenes—are unconvincing and at times unintentionally comical. Makeup effects and practical gore are used sparingly, which might disappoint horror fans looking for visual impact.

3. Inconsistent Tone

The movie attempts to juggle multiple genres—detective noir, supernatural horror, and apocalyptic thriller—but fails to fully commit to any one of them. The tone wavers from moody and philosophical to outright campy, especially during key exorcism or combat scenes. This inconsistency undermines the tension and makes it difficult to take the stakes seriously.

4. Predictability and Clichés

Many horror tropes appear here without much innovation. The “chosen one” narrative, the secret prophecy, the dark past, and the skeptical protagonist all play out as expected. Viewers familiar with horror conventions will likely see most plot twists coming, which reduces suspense and emotional impact.

Themes and Symbolism

Despite its flaws, The Demonologist attempts to explore some thought-provoking themes. The idea of fate versus free will runs throughout the film—Damien is repeatedly told that his destiny is preordained, yet he struggles to retain his agency. There are also meditations on guilt, redemption, and the corrupting power of evil.

The film also leans heavily into religious symbolism: crosses, angelic sigils, ancient tomes, and sacrificial rituals abound. These elements serve to create a mythic framework, but their use feels more decorative than meaningful, as the film rarely delves deep enough into the theology or history to make it feel authentic.

Final Verdict

The Demonologist (2018) is a film that shoots for the stars but gets lost somewhere in the clouds. It’s an earnest attempt to blend detective noir and religious horror into something fresh, but it’s ultimately hindered by a weak script, budget limitations, and uneven direction. That said, there’s still something oddly endearing about its ambition.

For fans of B-movie horror with occult themes, there’s entertainment to be found in the film’s dark aesthetic, scattered jump scares, and conspiracy-driven plot. If you’re into esoteric horror with an indie vibe—and don’t mind a few rough edges—this might be a worthwhile late-night watch. Just don’t expect the next The Exorcist or Se7en.

Rating: 5/10

It’s not a must-see, but for genre enthusiasts or fans of Brian Krause, The Demonologist might be an intriguing curiosity. It’s a flawed but interesting effort, and while it may not achieve the chilling heights it aims for, it shows that even low-budget horror can carry big ideas.