The Black Demon
Performance & Direction: The Black Demon Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Black Demon (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Black Demon features a noteworthy lineup led by Josh Lucas . Supported by the likes of Fernanda Urrejola and Julio Cesar Cedillo , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Black Demon (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Black Demon
Quick Plot Summary: The Black Demon is a Thriller, Horror film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. Oilman Paul Sturges' idyllic family vacation turns into a nightmare when they encounter a ferocious megalodon shark that will stop at nothing to protect its territory. Stranded and under constant attack, Paul and his family must somehow find a way to get his family back to shore alive before it strikes again in this epic battle between humans and nature. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: The Black Demon
Ending Breakdown: The Black Demon attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Black Demon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Black Demon?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Black Demon
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Where to Watch The Black Demon Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon ChannelThe Black Demon Parents Guide & Age Rating
2023 AdvisoryWondering about The Black Demon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Black Demon is 101 minutes (1h 41m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Black Demon is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Black Demon worth watching?
The Black Demon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Black Demon parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Black Demon identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Black Demon?
The total duration of The Black Demon is 101 minutes, which is approximately 1h 41m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Black Demon
Aw, come on. It's not that bad! It's just a poor cousin of one of the "Meg" movies, only with Josh Lucas trying to save the day rather than Jason Statham. He finds himself and his family trapped on a dilapidated oil rig off Baja, where they discover that a creature with a fin the size of a tennis court is marauding and it's peckish. Once safely ensconced on the installation, "Paul" discovers that most of the crew have skedaddled and those left are petrified of our huge great sea beastie. Worse still, they believe it has been sent by their gods as retribution for their plundering of the natural resources - and that they are all going to be tomorrow's ambergris. Now, to be fair to this CGI-fest, the ending is not quite as you might expect but the fact that the great fish seems huge enough to eat a bus at one stage then scared off by being kicked by a small child doesn't do too much for the credibility of this really, really quite sad indictment of where this once A-list actor has toppled to over the last decade. It hasn't really an original bone in any of it's bodies and it really is forgettable stuff that almost made me wish that I was the guy in the poster...
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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