Backlash Hits 'Late Night With the Devil' for Using AI-Generated Art

The indie horror film Late Night With the Devil has sparked significant controversy following its premiere, as many social media users express outrage over the filmmakers' use of artificial intelligence-generated art. Directors Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes faced a wave of criticism, leading to calls for a boycott of the film.

Controversy Strikes After AI Art Revelation

The movie, set in the 1970s, follows a late-night talk show host as he experiences a terrifying encounter with a survivor from a Satanic ritual. Despite achieving a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving praise for its unique story and performances, the revelation that AI-generated art was used in the production has overshadowed its success.

Industry and Audience Backlash Grows

Last year's labor strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA spotlighted the contentious issue of AI in the film industry. Against this backdrop, the choice to use AI in Late Night With the Devil has struck a nerve among critics and audiences alike, leading to severe criticism on platforms like Letterboxd and Twitter.

Directors Respond to the Uproar

In an effort to calm the storm, the directors conceded to using AI for a small part of the film, specifying that it was limited to three still images. They emphasized the hard work of their cast and crew and the primarily traditional production approach. Despite the directors' statement, the film is still facing the threat of a boycott, with some moviegoers considering piracy as a form of protest.

Film's Future Hangs in the Balance

With a theatrical release on March 22 and a streaming release on Shudder set for April 19, the ultimate impact of the backlash on the film's box office and reputation remains to be seen.

movie, backlash, AI