“I See the Demon” Offers Ambitious Cerebral Horror

I See the Demon (Jacob Lees Johnson, 2025) 4½ out of 5 stars

I See the Demon blends psychological horror with science fiction to craft a story filled with paranoia and disturbing revelations. Rather than relying on conventional horror tropes, the film builds tension through a fractured sense of reality. This warped reality challenges the viewers to question their senses.

Alexis Zollicoffer (Freaky Tales) plays Lucy, a woman who returns home after seeing something strange in the sky. A surprise party for her—a typically joyful occasion—soon becomes unsettling when she cannot remember parts of her day. Lucy’s friends assure her that she shouldn’t worry, but these kind words only strengthen her suspicions.

The film’s greatest strength is its atmosphere. The action takes place within a single house, transforming a familiar setting into a claustrophobic nightmare. Director Jacob Lees Johnson (The Thief) understands that the unknowable can be more frightening than an obvious danger. Zollicoffer delivers a fantastic performance, convincingly portraying Lucy’s confusion, vulnerability, and growing desperation. Her emotional journey provides the film with a center that ensures that the increasingly surreal moments never lose the audience’s attention.

The screenplay’s exploration of memory and perception is a fascinating one. As events become increasingly disjointed, the audience is forced to reevaluate earlier scenes and Lucy becomes an unreliable narrator. The science-fiction elements add another dimension to the mystery. These are the same elements that elevate the film beyond a commonplace story about the supernatural. However, this shift may divide audiences. Those expecting traditional horror might find the film’s more cerebral approach a touch boring, while some viewers may feel that its ideas deserve a deeper exploration.

I See the Demon is an atmospheric film that combines psychological tension with thought-provoking science fiction. Its execution may not be as strong as its original conceit, but its stellar performances, unnerving setting, and willingness to take risks make it a worthwhile watch for horror fans.

Patrick Howard

Patrick Howard has been a cinephile since age seven. Alongside 10 years of experience in film analysis and criticism, he is a staunch supporter of all art forms and believes their influence and legacy over human culture is vital. Mr. Howard takes the time to write his own narrative stories when he can.