It is safe to say their father’s final years were difficult, considering they had to keep old George chained up in his bedroom. The old man’s violent, abusive behavior showed all the signs of demonic possession. After his death, the oldest brother, Graham left home and never looked back. Unfortunately, the middle brother, Jake comes looking for him, because the youngest, Philip is showing similar symptoms as their father.
Viewers soon learn a nasty, slimy slithering thing, looking like a cross between the Tingler and Xenomorph face-hugger, has been preying on the family. Once a host dies, it tries borrowing into another. Philip would be the logical candidate, for at least one reason. It is a really bloody body-horror situation that Graham wants to keep Cole Nicholls, his tomboy mechanic employee, safely shielded from, but of course, she will be in the garage when they bring their family chaos into the shop, after hours.
Were it not for the vicious physical and vocal attacks of the afflicted, the “Disorder” would not seem very demonic. As it is, viewers coming in after the first act would probably presume this is a mutant bug movie. However, the combination of subgenres gives the film a relatively fresh vibe (although it is maybe somewhat thematically akin to the 1995 Omen pilot).
Eventually, so much blood and slime gets smeared around the family home, viewers might want a tetanus shot after watching Demon Disorder. It is a solid creature feature with satisfyingly disgusting practical effects. In fact, it is a skillfully mounted horror production in many ways, with the Spierig Brothers serving as producers (having employed Boyle’s makeup and special effects work on some of their films, including the woefully under-appreciated Predestination). Highly recommended for horror fans, The Demon Disorder starts streaming this Friday (9/6) on Shudder.
