Along Came the Devil (2018), directed by Jason DeVan, is a supernatural horror film that taps into classic themes of possession and spiritual warfare. The story follows Ashley (Sydney Sweeney), a troubled teenager who moves in with her estranged Aunt Tanya (Jessica Barth) after a difficult upbringing. Seeking connection and answers about her past, Ashley becomes vulnerable to dark forces that have long haunted her family.
Lonely and emotionally fragile, Ashley unwittingly opens herself to demonic forces through an innocent attempt to communicate with her deceased mother. As her behavior grows increasingly erratic and terrifying visions plague her, it becomes clear that something sinister has taken hold. Pastor John (Matt Dallas) and Reverend Michael (Bruce Davison) step in, but even their efforts might not be enough to save Ashley from the evil that has already begun to consume her.
Along Came the Devil leans into traditional horror tropes—possession, exorcism, and the battle between good and evil—while offering a moody atmosphere filled with shadowy imagery and unsettling tension. Sydney Sweeney’s performance stands out, capturing both Ashley’s vulnerability and the terrifying transformation she undergoes.
Although the film received mixed reviews, it appeals to fans of slow-burn supernatural horror who enjoy stories that emphasize atmosphere and mounting dread over jump scares. It also explores the emotional scars left by family trauma and the desperate human need for connection, even at great risk.
While Along Came the Devil may not reinvent the possession genre, its chilling moments and earnest performances deliver a haunting experience that lingers beyond the final frame, especially for viewers who enjoy psychological and religious horror.