Demon Squad (2019) – A World of H-ornery Wonder – Fitz of Horror Review

Bob Coldicott (Gothic Bob) March 11, 2019

Synopsis– Nick Moon, P.I. (Paranormal Investigator), delves into a hidden world of monsters and creatures of the night as he takes on a case to retrieve an ancient artifact with astonishing power.

Welcome to the wonderful world of horned demons, magical artifacts and witty humor! Your tour guides today will be the fast-talking Nick Moon of Full Moon Inc., played by Khristian Fulmer (The Night Shift, The Saints of Mt. Christopher) and Daisy, which is played by Erin Lilley (Backwoods, Night of the Krampus). Daisy is a Empath/Psion, aside from being Nick’s assistant and better conscious. In a world where demons don’t seem too eager to hide, Full Moon Inc. would seem to be a pretty pointless business. Luckily, for these two, there’s a wealthy heiress looking for her missing dad. The carousing and concupiscent Nick somehow doesn’t ruin this opportunity, arguably, with his dastardly ways. The two go on an intriguing and potentially bountiful adventure seeking the “battery” to a weapon, that yields great power. Oddly, the first falls into their laps because no one wanted the cursed thing. Everyone else seems to be going after the battery, though. The search for the latter is the plot pusher and ultimately leads to the climax/crisis point of the film.

This film has a great semblance and lacquer to it. Demon Squad’s story and lore are fun. The range of characters is dynamic and the effects are very impressive or, in the least, palatable for an indie film. Perhaps I’m easy to amuse but I love the way the stitchers get around the most. The bulk of the acting is very good! My only concern/complaint is that, when you have a fast-talking lead character, you have to make sure you have good recording for the dialogue. Please note that I said character too, not actor. Even in cases where the actor is known to be that way (and I don’t know if that’s the case for Fulmer), he was cast perfectly and I wouldn’t want Moon any other way. Fulmer and Lilley absolutely own their parts and the contrast works excellently. Could the story be streamlined a bit? I think so but I enjoyed what this movie was trying to do. Demon Squad creates a Thriller/Fantasy universe while trying to scare you, just a teeny bit. It appeals to a larger demographic or audience…at the risk of possibly alienating the largest indie audience, the horror fanbase. I used to play Middle Earth and Mekton in my high school days, call me a geek if you will. I didn’t get into horror until later and I can’t quite say I’m into the super-shock gore stuff, anyway. Judge me if you will but I give him credit for risking that to appeal to another sect of the audience. I don’t know if this is Director Thomas Smith’s forte but I do like the cut of his jib here, so I will be checking out his other stuff too.

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