The Demon Disorder Review: A Creepy Family Horror Drama

The Demon Disorder is a gripping horror movie that blends family drama with demonic possession. Directed by Steven Boyle, the film follows three estranged brothers - Graham, Jake and Phillip Reilly - who are forced to confront their traumatic past when one of them becomes possessed by a malevolent entity.

The narrative revolves around three brothers—Graham, Jake, and Phillip Reilly—who are drawn back together after their father's death. The story unfolds as they confront a family secret that leads to eerie occurrences in their father's garage, which becomes a site of supernatural revenge. The film explores themes of estrangement and trauma, as the brothers grapple with the haunting presence of their deceased father, who is suggested to possess Phillip, the youngest brother. This possession forces them to confront their past and the sins that have been buried for too long

## A Familiar Start, But With a Twist

The movie starts off as a familiar family drama, exploring the siblings' strained relationships and the mystery surrounding their father's death. However, it soon takes a dark turn when strange occurrences begin happening on their family farm. The possibility of their father's mental illness is quickly upended as clear signs of demonic possession emerge.

## Practical Effects Shine

While the story may feel a bit predictable at times, The Demon Disorder shines in its use of practical effects. Boyle's background in makeup and special effects is evident, with some truly gruesome and jaw-dropping monster scenes. The globulous, chicken-head-biting demons are sure to leave a lasting impression.

## Emotional Depth and Trauma

Beyond the scares, the movie delves into the emotional trauma of the brothers, exploring how they've been haunted by their abusive father's legacy. The possession narrative serves as a metaphor for the lingering effects of childhood trauma. This commentary on the power of confronting one's past is a refreshing take on the possession subgenre.

## Production and Style

The Demon Disorder is produced by Formation Pictures, a new Australian production company, and co-written by Boyle and Toby Osborne. The film showcases Boyle's expertise in practical effects, which he has honed over decades working on notable projects like King Kong and Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones. The movie stands out for the use of practical effects to create visceral horror, particularly in scenes depicting possession and transformation, which are reminiscent of classic body horror elements

##Unique Monsters

One of the standout aspects of The Demon Disorder is the creative and gruesome monsters that terrorize the Reilly family.

The main monster in the film is a strange, parasitic creature that infects the Reilly men. It enters the body through the armpit and grows inside, eventually emerging as a human-like figure covered in slime and mucus. This creature is birthed from Phillip's body during the climax, crawling out of his skin in a shocking and visceral scene.

When possessed, the Reilly men exhibit some disturbing behaviors. In one scene, Phillip is found in the chicken coop killing and eating the birds raw, with their heads bitten off. This gruesome image of a demon-possessed man feasting on chickens is a memorable and unsettling moment.

The film features three different "globulous monsters" - nasty, blobby creatures that look like they need a good disinfecting. These slimy, viscous beasts are the result of Boyle's background in creature effects and makeup design. They add a layer of body horror to the possession narrative.

## A Solid Debut

The Demon Disorder is a solid horror debut from Steven Boyle. While it may not completely reinvent the wheel, it offers some genuinely creepy moments and an interesting exploration of family dysfunction. Horror fans looking for a dose of practical effects and emotional depth will find plenty to enjoy.