Devon 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating

Director: Jenni Farley
Writer: Jenni Farley
Stars: Tara Rule, Lauren Carlin, and Steven Etienne

Released Date: November 12, 2024

Would you spend a night in a haunted asylum for $100,000?

Devon begins with that question, a grim ‘found footage’ picture centering on an alleged ex-hospital with a rather grim history. If you are a fan of rousing horrors, an eerie environment, and a mystery that leaves the audience shaken and guessing, then Devon could well be the horror trip you wish for.

What’s the story?

It was filmed in the actual Pennhurst Asylum, which was an institution for children with mental and psychological disabilities. Its reality is as shocking as the story it had inspired; allegations of abuse and negligence saw the home shut down in 1987. Now, in the present, the asylum in Devon is threatened with redevelopment. Still, its history of ghosts and specters and the mysterious disappearance of a young girl named Devon in the 1960s add suspense to the story.

The primary narrative focuses on a team of five strangers who come together intending to search for Devon due to a promised reward of $100,000. The characters are Alison (Rotisha Geter), William (Steven Entienne), Carly (Lauren Carmichael), Kat (Tara Rule), and Jared (Hank Santos). All had their respective motives, be it poverty or the desire to change for the better, however, none shed light as to why they were selected.

Led by the flamboyant but skeptical William, the gang arrives at the asylum, equipped with team video cameras. Their mission? To look for signs of his involvement or to try and discover what has happened to Devon. As they traverse through the broken corridors and other tomb-like structures that used to be part of the asylum, the characters find themselves surrounded by unsettling spirits. Darker shadows appear where there shouldn’t be any; unseen observers track their progress, and the truth behind Devon’s disappearance is far grimmer than the protagonists could have thought possible.

The Vibe: Dark passages, specters, and constant suspense

The atmosphere of Devon is also its best asset. The film overuses the setting behind the resource by elaborating on the long hallways, doorways, and rooms filled with abandoned toys and graffiti. It is not overtly scary, in the sense it does not rely on the familiar jump scare mechanism, even though there is one that stands out right at the start of the film, but rather it sustains tension throughout.

For those who enjoyed the cinematography of Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project, the film’s aesthetic will be quite familiar: blurred picture, low light, and an unshakable impression that evil is lurking nearby. The presence of surveillance cameras with shots zoomed around the asylum also contributes to the growing tension and discomfit as viewers watch the group struggle aimlessly.

What makes Devon stand out is that its primary horror leans more toward the atmosphere. The changing positions and positions of some characters in the frame, mysterious sounds, and increasing concern of characters create a feeling within the viewer of a slow slide into lunacy.

What works?

The Setting: Shot at the actual Pennhurst Asylum, the place becomes powerful and practically an actor in its own right. Its past is one of tragedy, and this encroaches on the narrative, making everything from the shadows to the abandoned apparatus feel tainted.

Unnerving Visuals: The writer-director Jenni Farley loves to make phenomenal and disturbing imagery. From something as trivial as the patterns on the walls or as sinister as ghosts of the defunct asylum – the vision lingers in the mind long after the end titles.

Solid Tension: While it is not always terrifying, the film maintains a constant level of suspense throughout. The fear element is realistic, and the characters’ confusion and growing mistrust of each other echo the viewer’s situation.

Questions Answered: Unlike many horror films where viewers are left quite confused and hanging, Devon tries to answer the questions viewers have and concludes its story in a good way that may still be open for interpretation.

What doesn’t?

Found Footage Pitfalls: Like most films in this category, there are times when the audience cannot comprehend the rationale of the characters to continue shooting under these circumstances. At some point, the concern with physically possessing the cameras becomes counterproductive and detracts from the immersion.

Inconsistent Tone: Nevertheless, there are moments when dialogue seems to be inspired by the situations of reality television programs, where characters gossip and make assumptions about other characters. Although this might be a reference to Farley’s original persona as the “JWoww” from Jersey Shore, it is not always suitable for the dark theme of the film.

Minor Mistakes: Devon’s birth year differs in the series: it is stated that he was born in 1986, but there is information that he was born in 1987. What remains uncertain is whether it is intentionally placed by the creators or missed during the production process, but it seems to disconcert rather than stimulate.

Uneven Pacing: While the film is good at maintaining suspense, it doesn’t consistently rise to a greater level of intensity after the first significant emotional shock. The strength of the atmosphere is the weakness of the pacing: specific scenes are sluggish as characters decide to split up or get lost on their own multiple times.

Comparisons:

If you are a fan of the type of horror that is more psychological such as in the movies The Autopsy of Jane Doe or As Above, So Below then you will most certainly like Devon. Because of its dedication to atmosphere and because it takes place in a haunted motel, it shares a lot in common with other found-footage horror movies like Session 9 and Grave Encounters.

Devon 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating

Devon is not rated because it has not undergone the official rating process by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA).

Emily Johnson is a seasoned journalist and author dedicated to helping parents navigate the world of Hollywood entertainment through thoughtful, family-oriented film reviews. With over a decade of experience in writing and a passion for fostering safe, enriching viewing experiences, Stephanie launched movitrailer.com to provide parents with the insights they need to make informed choices for their families. Author Page

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