Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Paranormal docu probes demonic acts; language, scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Devil on Trial
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE DEVIL ON TRIAL is the true story about the alleged demonic possession acts by 11-year-old David Glatzel. The behavior is also linked to a U.S. murder case during the 1980s. With firsthand interviews and archival footage, photos, recordings, and reenactments, the film shows how the Glatzel family hopes to rid David's demons through a clergy-led exorcism and also get guidance from a pair of ghost hunters. The demonic entity also takes center stage in a related murder case involving the proposal of paranormal conduct as a legal defense plea in a murder case.
Is It Any Good?
Director Christopher Holt's haunting documentary about the role of spiritual demons in the lives of people is worth a watch. In The Devil on Trial, 11-year-old David Glatzel from a self-described "normal" home confesses to being "possessed by the devil." His behavior, however, steadily draws a nightmarish wedge between family and friends who want to help him escape the ordeal of spewing vulgarities and battles with beasts. "I stayed up in the dark with my eyes open most of the night," he reveals, and his mom Judy often yells to the spirit, "Get out of my son!" The Devil on Trial is bound to unleash further debates and discussions about the topic of the world of the unknown.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication shared by the cast in The Devil on Trial. How do they also demonstrate compassion, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Siblings David and Carl Glatzel share different viewpoints about incidents that took place during their childhood. Which opinion do you favor and why?
How does The Devil on Trial compare with The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the film based on the real-life events featured in the documentary?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 17, 2023
- Cast: Foster Lawrence Hamilton , Arne Cheyenne Johnson , Victor Serfaty
- Director: Christopher Holt
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Brothers and Sisters , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 81 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 24, 2024
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