I was a bit dubious about seeing this film, because of its length: indeed,after a rather auspicious start, my attention began to wane during the overlong jail sequence, and I was tempted to quit. Fortunately, I did not, as the plot regained interest, culminating with the following issue : faced with total helplessness and absolute despair, must one cede or go on fighting, whatever the cost? While the need of the demon for a child is of the utmost importance, he does not kidnap him: he is adamant that the child be given to him, the island inhabitants must cede, and decide which, or face the consequences.
The islanders do not and cannot get any help whatsoever from anybody in their abysmal plight. The demon ( and Stephen King ) reveals the vicar as a pedophile, so that the inhabitants cannot find solace in religion through him. Everybody has to come to a decision all by itself and its sole conscience.
The direction is almost faultless, but for the recurring showing of the fangs of the demon ( noted by several reviewers ), which seems pointless ( though 'pointed' and rather impressive ), as he does not suck the blood of any of his victims. Justification hereof comes only at the every end of the movie, when the youth accompanying the demon displays the same " dental work" too, and then it is extremely effective,... while it would have been inane to have a Happy End . As for the cast, Tim Daly is excellent as the sheriff, while Debra Farentino as his wife has not much to do but appear constantly scared; good support is given by Jeffrey deMunn, Casey Siemasko, Steve Rankin and newcomer Joanne Nicholson . But the wonderfully frightening composition of the demon by Colm Feore tops all, ensuring him a top rank among all villains of the screen.
The islanders do not and cannot get any help whatsoever from anybody in their abysmal plight. The demon ( and Stephen King ) reveals the vicar as a pedophile, so that the inhabitants cannot find solace in religion through him. Everybody has to come to a decision all by itself and its sole conscience.
The direction is almost faultless, but for the recurring showing of the fangs of the demon ( noted by several reviewers ), which seems pointless ( though 'pointed' and rather impressive ), as he does not suck the blood of any of his victims. Justification hereof comes only at the every end of the movie, when the youth accompanying the demon displays the same " dental work" too, and then it is extremely effective,... while it would have been inane to have a Happy End . As for the cast, Tim Daly is excellent as the sheriff, while Debra Farentino as his wife has not much to do but appear constantly scared; good support is given by Jeffrey deMunn, Casey Siemasko, Steve Rankin and newcomer Joanne Nicholson . But the wonderfully frightening composition of the demon by Colm Feore tops all, ensuring him a top rank among all villains of the screen.
