The Devil All the Time

Main Plot

"The Devil All the Time," directed by Antonio Campos, is a psychological thriller set in rural Ohio and West Virginia, spanning the period between World War II and the 1960s. The film weaves together multiple storylines centered around a young man named Arvin Russell. Arvin grapples with the violent and tragic legacy left by his father, who was a war veteran deeply scarred by his experiences. As Arvin grows up, he encounters a series of sinister characters, including a corrupt sheriff, a twisted preacher, and a couple with a penchant for murder. Each character's actions are driven by their own dark motivations and traumas, creating a web of violence and moral decay. The film explores themes of faith, corruption, and the cyclical nature of violence, ultimately portraying a grim picture of human nature and the struggle for redemption in a world filled with evil.

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 movie "The Devil All the Time," directed by Antonio Campos, the conclusion ties together the fates of several characters in a grim and violent manner. Arvin Russell, the protagonist, confronts and kills the corrupt preacher, Reverend Preston Teagardin, who had seduced and impregnated his stepsister, Lenora, leading to her suicide. This act of vengeance is a culmination of Arvin's quest to protect his loved ones and seek justice. Arvin then encounters Carl and Sandy Henderson, a couple who lure and murder hitchhikers. After a tense confrontation, Arvin kills both Carl and Sandy in self-defense. He disposes of the evidence and continues his journey, symbolically burying his past traumas and the violence that has surrounded his life. The film ends with Arvin hitchhiking and being picked up by a stranger. As he drifts off to sleep, he contemplates his future, uncertain but hopeful for a sense of peace. This conclusion underscores the pervasive cycle of violence and the struggle for redemption in a world marred by corruption and brutality.