Year: 1989
Runtime: 99 mins
Language: English
Director: Raphael Nussbaum
A phony evangelist and his sexually uninhibited wife buy a Los Angeles home intending to convert it into a scandalously named “Church of Latter Day Sin.” The house turns out to be haunted, but the wife, unknown to her husband, strikes a bargain with the Devil, setting off a chaotic, darkly comic conflict as their sinful scheme spirals out of control.
Get a spoiler-free look at Speak of the Devil (1989) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the neon‑smeared sprawl of Los Angeles, a desperate pair of charlatans sets their sights on a crumbling house that promises the perfect stage for a brand‑new ministry. Reverend Jonah Johnson is a smooth‑talking preacher who has spent years selling salvation as a side hustle, while his wife Isabelle treats devotion as a private playground, unafraid to push every boundary. Together they envision a scandalously named “Church of Latter Day Sin,” a glossy veneer for a venture that blends profit, performance, and a twisted take on faith.
The house they acquire sits at the edge of a forgotten neighborhood, its boarded‑up façade hiding more than just dust and decay. From the moment they step inside, the building exudes a restless energy that seeps into their rehearsed sermons and lavish plans. The couple’s chemistry crackles—Jonah’s cautious, rehearsed piety contrasting sharply with Isabelle’s brazen, unapologetic hunger for power and sensual freedom. Their dynamic, equal parts partnership and rivalry, fuels the restless atmosphere that swirls through the rooms, making the property feel less like a sanctuary and more like a stage set for something far stranger.
Unbeknownst to Jonah, Isabelle’s ambition drives her toward an unsettling bargain with a force that lurks within the house’s very walls. As whispers of the unseen mingle with the couple’s scheming, the residence becomes a character in its own right: a darkly comic backdrop where sacred and profane collide. The tone teeters between sardonic satire and eerie whimsy, inviting the audience to watch a house of sin turn into a playground for devilish mischief.
Speak of the Devil promises a twisted, laugh‑laden ride through a world where religious pretense, unchecked desire, and a haunted setting converge, leaving viewers to wonder just how far the couple will go before the house decides the final act.
Last Updated: December 03, 2025 at 23:47
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories that mix supernatural scares with sharp, darkly comic social commentary.If you enjoyed the darkly comic satire of religious hypocrisy in Speak of the Devil, you'll find more movies like it here. This list features horror-comedies that use the supernatural to deliver sharp, campy social commentary, blending scares with absurd humor in a similar chaotic style.
These stories often follow morally dubious or clueless characters whose selfish schemes backfire spectacularly when they collide with supernatural forces. The narrative structure uses these chaotic encounters to expose and ridicule hypocrisy, corruption, or vanity, creating a fast-paced plot filled with escalating complications and farcical situations.
Movies in this thread share a core vibe: they use horror as a vehicle for comedy and satire. They possess a specific tonal blend of dark themes and lighthearted, absurd execution, often featuring fast pacing, medium intensity, and a mix of unsettling and hilarious moments that feel cohesive and distinct from straight horror or pure comedy.
Characters who make Faustian pacts, only to face chaotic and unintended consequences.Fans of the demonic pact storyline in Speak of the Devil will enjoy these similar movies. This collection features stories about characters making deals with dark forces, leading to unintended, chaotic consequences and a mix of horror and comedy, perfect if you liked the core premise of the film.
The narrative pattern begins with a character, often flawed or desperate, seeking a shortcut to their goals. They enter into an agreement with a devilish figure, believing they can outsmart the terms. The plot then unfolds as the true cost of the bargain becomes apparent, leading to a series of escalating, often absurd, events as the protagonist tries to escape their fate or regain control.
These films are grouped by their core plot device—the supernatural bargain—and the specific tone it creates. They explore themes of greed, corruption, and unintended consequences, typically blending horror with other elements like comedy or drama. The experience is defined by the anticipation of the deal's fallout and the chaotic journey that follows.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Speak of the Devil in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Speak of the Devil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Speak of the Devil, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Speak of the Devil with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Speak of the Devil. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Speak of the Devil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Speak of the Devil that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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