DeVil (2010)

A mechanic, a young lady, a security guard, an old woman and a mattress salesman step into a busy downtown elevator little do they know the devil is among them. These seemingly random people become trapped in the elevator and a grieving recovering alcoholic Detective Bowden races to save them before the devil collects them all.

Devil is a solid thriller from the mind of M. Night Shyamalan. Exploring the idea that there are no coincidences, Devil is equally riveting and horrifying. Between the flickers of light and grainy security cam footage, the group begins to turn on each other as the detective and fellow security guards look on. Directors John Erick Dowdle (Quarantine) and Drew Dowdle effectively build Shyamalan’s story with a moody score and just enough tight frames. Claustrophobia and fear mount as each one tips the scale. Adding to the suspense is the voice-over of the overtly religious Hispanic security guard. Narrating the events of the elevator based on his beliefs adds a nice touch.

As I see it, Devil is simple in its execution, but it’s the idea—bad things happen for a reason—that goes on to make it worth watching.