Demon Knight

Watch Demon Knight

"Ready for your deadtime story?"
  • R
  • 1995
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 6.7  (25,930)
  • 48

In 1995, the horror-comedy film Demon Knight was released, starring Billy Zane, William Sadler, and Jada Pinkett Smith. The movie is directed by Ernest Dickerson and written by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris. The story revolves around a mysterious man named Brayker (played by Sadler) who is on the run from a group of demons led by a seductive demon named The Collector (played by Zane). Brayker possesses a key that can prevent the demons from entering our world, but he is wounded and seeks refuge in a boarding house in a small New Mexico town. The boarding house is run by a tough-talking woman named Irene (played by Smith) who is dealing with her own personal demons, including drug addiction.

As The Collector and his minions surround the boarding house, Brayker teams up with Irene, the other residents of the boarding house, and a drifter named Jeryline (played by Jada Pinkett Smith) to defend themselves against the demonic onslaught. The key that Brayker possesses becomes the key to their survival, as they try to keep it away from the demons at all costs.

The film is full of over-the-top humor and gore, but it also explores deeper themes of redemption and sacrifice. Some of the standout scenes include a gory opening sequence featuring a car chase and gunfight, a tense standoff between the humans and the demons, and a final showdown in which Brayker and The Collector engage in a supernatural battle of wills.

One of the strengths of the film is its cast, particularly Billy Zane in the role of The Collector. Zane brings a sly charm to the character, making him both seductive and terrifying at the same time. William Sadler is also excellent as Brayker, imbuing the character with a weariness and a sense of duty that makes him a compelling hero. Jada Pinkett Smith brings some much-needed levity to the film as the street-smart Jeryline, who serves as a kind of audience surrogate in the midst of all the craziness.

The special effects in the film are a mix of practical effects and early CGI, which gives the movie a distinct '90s horror vibe. The demons themselves are especially well-designed, with each one having a unique look and personality. The film also features a memorable soundtrack, with songs from heavy metal bands like Pantera and Megadeth.

Overall, Demon Knight is a fun and entertaining horror movie that balances scares, humor, and action in equal measure. It's a testament to the talent of the filmmakers and the actors that they were able to take a decidedly low-budget concept (a man with a key fights demons in a boarding house) and turn it into a cult classic that still holds up today. If you're a fan of horror-comedy or '90s horror in general, then Demon Knight is definitely worth checking out.

Demon Knight
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Description
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (25,930)
  • Metascore
    48