The Devil All the Time

Main Plot

The Devil All the Time is a psychological thriller set in rural Ohio and West Virginia, spanning several decades. The story follows a series of interconnected characters whose lives are marked by violence, trauma, and moral decay. At its center is a young man named Arvin Russell, who grapples with the dark legacy of his family and the corrupt influences surrounding him. The narrative weaves through the lives of a disturbed war veteran, a sinister couple who prey on vulnerable individuals, and a corrupt preacher, all of whom contribute to a cycle of suffering and retribution. As Arvin seeks to protect those he loves, the film explores themes of faith, revenge, and the impact of past sins on the present. The intertwining stories culminate in a tense and gripping confrontation, highlighting the pervasive nature of evil in a seemingly quiet community.

Characters

• Bill Skarsgård plays Willard Russell, a troubled war veteran whose actions and beliefs profoundly impact his son, Arvin, shaping the story's dark and violent themes.
• Tom Holland plays Arvin Russell, a young man seeking justice and grappling with his family's dark past in a corrupt, post-World War II town.
• Banks Repeta plays the character of Mitchell, a young boy who witnesses traumatic events, contributing to the film's exploration of violence and moral decay in a small town.

Ending Explained

In The Devil All the Time, the ending culminates in a violent confrontation that ties together the film's themes of trauma, vengeance, and the cyclical nature of violence. After enduring a series of harrowing events, Arvin Russell confronts the corrupt figures that have plagued his life, including the manipulative preacher and the sadistic couple. The climax occurs when Arvin takes justice into his own hands, eliminating those who have caused suffering to him and others. This act of retribution serves as a pivotal moment, resolving the main conflict of Arvin's struggle against the malevolent forces that have shaped his existence. The film underscores the idea that evil begets evil, as Arvin's actions reflect the darkness that has been passed down through generations. The final scenes depict the aftermath of his choices, leaving viewers with a sense of ambiguity about the cycle of violence. Ultimately, the ending reinforces the narrative's exploration of morality and the impact of a traumatic upbringing, suggesting that while Arvin seeks to break free from the past, he is inevitably drawn into its destructive patterns. The film closes on a note of bleak realism, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin and the struggle for redemption in a world filled with darkness.