Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Demon Disorder’

9/7/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Christian Willis and Tobie Webster as Graham Reilly and Cole Nichols in Steven Boyle’s THE DEMON DISORDER. (Photo Courtesy of Shudder.)

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Demon Disorder’.

One particular aspect of the horror genre that is genuinely surprising, is the sheer fact that it follows trends just like any other genre out there. And what makes that so surprising, is that one wouldn’t expect horror to subscribe to such a thing. After all, it is the trailblazing genre, one that has shaped modern storytelling and inspired all kinds of creatives to become novel writers and filmmakers, and it of course… has challenged tropes, invented monsters and gone where storytelling rarely does. So, it is a bit of a shock when you realize that one popular zombie story, will lead to a bevy of zombie stories because that’s now the trend and formula for success.

But the surprises don’t end with the fact that horror isn’t immune to trends, because it is how the genre handles trends that is of note. Because a hot zombie story doesn’t necessarily mean that cruddy cash grabs will follow. It likely means that a bevy of creatives want in on the action and want to tell a quality story that builds upon what came before and tries to do something fresh and new. Making trends quite welcome in this genre, and that is why we are suddenly seeing a bevy of horror features that delve into the power of trauma and why we must confront and resolve it. Because it allows for so many other minds to offer their take on how best to do that, and the risks that come with denying our souls that freedom.

If anything, that particular trend is top of mind today, simply because there is a brand-new horror film on Shudder that offers a refreshing take on this trend, in The Demon Disorder. Which is a story that introduces us to a troubled man named Graham who is doing his best to get by in life after escaping his hometown shortly after his abusive father passed, and for a time… he seems to be finding what he wants. For he has a successful mechanic business that is growing. But alas, when his brother Jake arrives, filled with concern that their baby brother Philip might be transforming into a monster a la father, Graham returns home. To see what’s causing odd behaviors in his brother, and what he finds, is horrifying. Since it appears that Philip has been possessed by the spirit of their awful father, in the hopes that he might live again and continue his emotional reign of terror.

Which really is, a refreshing take on such matters. Because it does what few, if any, other horror stories have done… and it transforms trauma and PTSD and the evil that parents sometimes impart on their children and transforms it into an actual monster. A being that will stop at nothing to terrorize its children and feed off of the pain caused by abuse. Which brings about a story that uses personification of pain to explore how it stays with us, how we fear it so deeply and are willing to do toxic things to be rid of it, and of course, how we must fight that and put it down. So, we find peace over being haunted by ghosts of days gone by. A move that is brilliant, quite frankly. Because it hammers the point home, through the very fear presented in the film, since this movie is indeed unsettling and disturbing, and downright horrifying.

Thanks in large part… to what the monster looks like and how it functions and thrives. Since it is the stuff of nightmares and outright showcases how anyone who has been abused emotionally or physically, would likely view their abuser. But what matters more, is that its birth and its push to exist, is gory as hell in nature, and leads to stomach churning special effects that hold nothing back and also serve as an allegory related to the theme. Since the creation of this monster brings physical harm, a move that speaks to the power of generational trauma and how abusive cycles come to life. Which makes the monster ten times more terrifying and unwholesome and gives rise to a magnificently intelligent horror film.

For this one really does think hard upon such matters and explores them with a bluntness that is impactful and terrifying, and it also doesn’t hurt, that it has an amazing cast to sell such matters. For Christian Willis sells the pain that Graham carries in his heart with a shocking honesty, and John Noble brings forth a riveting and chilling performance as the abusive patriarch of this family, all of which adds gravity to one engaging plot. One that gives us plenty to chew upon when it comes to its central theme and of course, showcases… how trends do indeed benefit horror. For had the horror industry not been keen on further exploring this particular topic, who knows if this magnificent feature would have come to light, and it not existing would be a shame. For this one, is that rare horror feature, that perfectly blends together scares and commentary in a manner that stays with you long after the terror has come to an end.

Watch ‘The Demon Disorder’

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