Movie spotlight
The Devil's Toy
Dedicated “to all victims of intolerance,” "The Devil’s Toy" is a faux–public service documentary that chronicles the early days of skateboarding in Montreal. Framed as mock anti-skateboarding propaganda, Claude Jutra contrasts official hostility with the exhilaration and freedom experienced by youths racing downhill through city streets, shortly before the activity was banned.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man inherits a strange antique shop from his estranged father, only to discover that its contents are cursed and tied to a dark family legacy. As he delves deeper into the shop's mysteries, he uncovers a malevolent force that begins to influence his mind and actions. He must confront the demonic entity controlling the shop before it consumes him entirely.
Critical Reception
Released directly to the exploitation circuit, 'The Devil's Toy' received minimal mainstream critical attention. However, it gained a cult following over the years among fans of obscure horror and possession films, appreciated for its unique atmosphere and unsettling themes despite its low budget and unconventional narrative.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its genuinely creepy atmosphere and unsettling premise.
Criticized for its slow pacing and sometimes confusing plot.
Seen as an early example of the demonic possession subgenre.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely based on cult following and limited availability, with viewers often noting its unique, albeit dated, horror elements and its significant cult status.
Fun Fact
The film's unique possession narrative and its distribution through drive-in theaters and grindhouses contributed to its status as a cult classic in obscure horror cinema.
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