There are times when genre-bending stories can either make or break a movie. Sometimes, you don’t realize how badly you need a type of film until you have it, and The Devil and the Daylong Brothers absolutely fits into that category. Part Southern Gothic, part musical, and part bloody horror, this movie, directed by Brandon McCormick,  fires on so many cylinders, it’s almost difficult to keep up.  

Once it begins, it’s very apparent that there’s a strong musical aspect to this – and it hits you like a ton of bricks. While musicals might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the way this film begins goes so hard that you can’t help but be entertained. 

That being said, this isn’t just a spectacle of sight and sound. There’s an actual compelling story here, which only elevates the captivation one feels while watching. Brothers Abe (Jordon Bolden), Enoch (Nican Robinson), and Ishmael (Brendan Bradley) all share the same father, but different mothers. A father who apparently sold their souls to the devil before they were even born. They now work together traveling the backroads of the dirty American South, in search of this man, while also seeking out others who made similar deals as he did.

All three are bonded by this need for retribution, while also varied enough in personality to stand out and feel authentic. They not only push each other in their needs and wants, they also help keep one another in line. Their relationship is the heart of this film, and what keeps you rooting for them, despite their tendency for violence.

And there’s violence aplenty. From the opening sequence, all the way through the final moments, this is a blood-soaked, gritty tale that feels almost like a comic book come to life. The decision to include musical numbers is a brazen one, that if not executed properly, could have completely sunk the entire film. The songs, and how they are performed, though, are incredibly seamless and catchy, making this an irresistible watch.

While the plot does meander slightly in the middle, and the script could have used some tighter editing, The Devil and the Daylong Brothers is entertaining and unique from start to finish. This is mostly due to the stellar performances by Bolden, Robinson, and Bradley, who as a trio work so well together while still being varied and individualistic. This easily could have been carried out into a longer story in the form of a series, or even as a graphic novel.

As a whole, this is a feast for the senses, that grabs hold of you from the very first musical sequence and takes you for a wild, dusty ride.