The found footage subgenre has seen its fair share of highs and lows, with films like The Blair Witch Project (1999) and Paranormal Activity (2007) revolutionizing the horror scene, while others have struggled to capture that same raw, immersive fear. Name the Demon (2024), directed by Carmelo Chimera, attempts to breathe new life into the genre by blending psychological terror with supernatural horror.
Does it succeed? Yes and no. While it doesn’t break new ground, Name the Demon delivers an unsettling and atmospheric experience that lingers in your mind. With a focus on slow-burning dread rather than excessive jump scares, it manages to carve out its own eerie identity.
Plot Summary: When Curiosity Unleashes Horror
The story centers on David (Carmelo Chimera), a man whose wife, Anna (Jessie Nerud), begins exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior. At first, her symptoms seem psychological—paranoia, insomnia, erratic speech—but it soon becomes clear that something far darker is at play.
Desperate for answers, David turns to the camera, documenting his experiences as Anna’s condition worsens. Strange occurrences escalate, and he discovers a terrifying truth: Anna is not just sick—she is possessed. Worse yet, the entity controlling her seems to thrive on its own name being spoken, an eerie concept that plays into one of horror’s most ancient superstitions.
What follows is a nerve-wracking descent into the unknown as David and those around him struggle to break free from the demon’s grip. But as is often the case in these stories, some things, once named, can never be silenced.
Performances: A Stellar Lead with a Convincing Supporting Cast
The real standout in Name the Demon is Jessie Nerud as Anna. Her transformation from a normal, loving wife into a vessel of pure terror is nothing short of chilling. Her ability to switch between vulnerability and malevolence adds an authenticity that keeps the audience engaged. From her hollow, dead-eyed stares to her sudden, bone-chilling outbursts, Nerud’s performance elevates the film beyond its indie-horror constraints.
Carmelo Chimera, who not only directs but also plays the lead role of David, gives a commendable performance as a man grappling with forces beyond his control. His portrayal of desperation, frustration, and ultimate despair is believable, though at times his performance leans more towards restrained than truly terrified.
The supporting cast, while limited, does a solid job in reinforcing the film’s documentary-style realism. Friends, family members, and paranormal experts appear in the footage, lending credibility to the story. However, some of the secondary characters lack the depth that could have made their presence more impactful.
Direction and Cinematic Style: The Strengths and Pitfalls of Found Footage
Effective Use of Found Footage
One of the biggest challenges in found footage horror is making the format feel necessary rather than just a gimmick. Thankfully, Name the Demon does this well. The film is presented as a series of recordings, some taken by David himself, while others come from security cameras and digital archives. This patchwork style gives it a sense of authenticity, making it feel less like a scripted film and more like a terrifying real-life discovery.
Atmosphere Over Jump Scares
Unlike mainstream horror that leans heavily on sudden loud noises and cheap jumps, Name the Demon opts for a slow-burning sense of unease. The demon’s presence is often felt rather than seen, lurking in the shadows, creeping at the edge of the frame, or subtly altering Anna’s voice and mannerisms in ways that are deeply unsettling.
The film builds its horror through sound design and visual storytelling rather than overt special effects. Whispers in the background, unnatural silences, and distorted voices play a crucial role in creating an oppressive atmosphere. The subtlety works to its advantage, making even the smallest movements feel significant.
Thematic Depth: More Than Just a Possession Story
On the surface, Name the Demon is a supernatural horror film, but beneath the jump scares and eerie visuals, it explores deeper themes:
- The Power of Names – The film plays with the ancient belief that speaking a demon’s name gives it strength, an idea that has roots in real-world demonology and folklore. It adds a chilling layer of psychological horror, as characters are torn between curiosity and survival.
- Mental Illness vs. Supernatural Possession – Much like The Exorcism of Emily Rose, this film leaves room for interpretation. Is Anna truly possessed, or is this a severe mental breakdown? The ambiguity adds to the horror, making the events feel disturbingly plausible.
- The Danger of Obsession – David’s relentless quest to document and understand the demon ultimately places him in greater danger, raising questions about humanity’s need to uncover forbidden knowledge.
Strengths: What Works in Name the Demon
✅ A Unique and Creepy Premise – The idea of a demon gaining power from being named is fresh and unsettling. The film capitalizes on this concept well, making the mere act of speaking feel dangerous.
✅ A Strong Lead Performance – Jessie Nerud delivers a gripping and terrifying performance that carries the film.
✅ A Sense of Realism – The found footage approach feels authentic rather than forced, making the horror more immersive.
✅ Atmospheric Horror Over Jump Scares – Instead of relying on loud noises, the film builds dread through unsettling imagery and sound design.
✅ Explores Psychological Depth – The story allows room for interpretation, making the horror feel more cerebral than straightforward.
Weaknesses: Where Name the Demon Falls Short
❌ Pacing Issues – While the slow burn works in some areas, certain scenes feel drawn out, making the film’s 90-minute runtime feel longer than necessary.
❌ Limited Scope – The film’s budgetary constraints are noticeable, as most of the action takes place in just a few locations. A bit more variety could have heightened the tension.
❌ Some Underdeveloped Characters – While the main duo is strong, some secondary characters feel one-dimensional, making their fates less impactful.
❌ Found Footage Tropes – At times, the film falls into typical found footage pitfalls: shaky camera work, abrupt cuts, and prolonged dialogue sequences that slow the momentum.
Final Verdict
Name the Demon may not redefine found footage horror, but it certainly proves that the subgenre still has the power to unsettle and disturb. With an eerie premise, a haunting lead performance, and a focus on psychological tension rather than cheap thrills, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.
If you’re a fan of atmospheric horror and films like The Taking of Deborah Logan or Lake Mungo, Name the Demon is worth watching. Just be careful… some things should never be named.
Final Rating: 2/5
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