Watch The Demons

The Demons (Les Démons) is a French-Canadian drama film directed by Philippe Lesage. The film is set in Quebec and it is a deeply personal coming-of-age story that explores the anxieties and fears of childhood. The Demons touches upon the themes of relationships, family dynamics, and the dangers and uncertainties of growing up.

The movie follows the story of a young boy named Felix, who appears to be just like any other child growing up in a suburban neighborhood. However, beneath his surface, Felix is a deeply troubled and scared boy. As the film opens, Felix is dealing with anxiety and fears related to the potential end of the world. He hears stories of the end of the world on the radio and is consumed by the idea of it. This sets the tone for the entire film where we see Felix struggling to deal with his own inner demons and the external demons that seem to invade his life.

As the film progresses, we see a range of characters that play key roles in Felix's life, including his parents, his classmates, and his sister. Felix's mother, a radio journalist, is dealing with her own personal problems such as unhappiness in her marriage and an ongoing affair. While Felix may not be aware of the specifics of what is happening, he senses the tension, which only adds to his anxiety. Felix's father, a lawyer, is absent from the family much of the time, which only exacerbates the anxiety and loneliness Felix feels.

Through Felix's experiences at school, we see the power of group dynamics and the lasting impact of bullying, even when it is not physical. Felix is picked on by one of his classmates, but it is the way that the rest of the class banded together that highlights the power of groupthink and how it can be used to harm others. These experiences only reinforce the already bleak outlook Felix has on the world.

Despite the serious themes and dark overtones of the movie, The Demons also has moments of joy and vulnerability that make it a deeply human story. Felix's relationship with his younger sister is both touching and nuanced. His sister is an anchor in his life, a reminder of the innocence and love that can exist. Similarly, Felix has a tender and innocent crush on a girl in his karate class, a rare moment of lightness in his otherwise dark world.

The Demons is a visually stunning film that lingers with you long after you have watched it. The beauty of the cinematography contrasts with the dark themes and is a testament to Lesage's ability to tell a complex story. The film is shot in a style that is both objective and subjective, allowing us to see the world through Felix's eyes but also see how others impact his life. The use of natural light and shadows creates an intimate and surreal environment that adds to the power of the film.

Overall, The Demons is a deeply personal and introspective film that explores the anxieties and fears that can define childhood. Felix's story is a universal one, touching on the idea of how fear can consume us and the struggle of growing up in an unpredictable world. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of exploring the darker side of life. If you are looking for a deeply affecting and thought-provoking movie, The Demons is one that should be added to your list.

The Demons is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes.