The Devil's Chair

"The Devil’s Chair" (2007) – A Psychological Descent into Madness and Horror
Directed by: Adam Mason
Genre: Psychological Horror, Supernatural Thriller
Release Date: September 2007

Dark, disturbing, and twistedly original, The Devil’s Chair is a British horror film that dives deep into the fractured mind of a man accused of murder — blending psychological terror with supernatural elements. Directed by Adam Mason, the film challenges viewers’ perceptions of reality and sanity in a gory, mind-bending journey.

Plot Summary

The story follows Nick West (played by Andrew Howard), a rough and troubled man who takes his girlfriend to an abandoned mental asylum. There, they discover an ancient, strange-looking chair — one that holds a dark, otherworldly power. When his girlfriend is violently killed while sitting in the chair, Nick is blamed for her death and declared insane.

Years later, a group of scientists and psychologists — led by the ambitious Dr. Willard — bring Nick back to the asylum in an attempt to understand what really happened. But what starts as an academic study turns into a bloody nightmare as the truth about the chair, and Nick’s sanity, begins to unravel.

Cast

• Andrew Howard as Nick West

• Pollyanna Rose as Sammy

• David Gant as Dr. Willard

• Matt Berry as Graham

Andrew Howard delivers a compelling and raw performance, portraying Nick as both victim and possible villain. His unreliable narration keeps viewers guessing until the very end.

Style and Direction

The Devil’s Chair uses first-person narration, gritty visuals, and surreal storytelling to put the audience inside the mind of its tormented protagonist. The film constantly blurs the line between reality and hallucination, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.

Director Adam Mason plays with horror conventions, combining classic gore with psychological tension and dark humor. The editing and narration are intentionally disorienting — a bold style choice that makes the film stand out in the indie horror scene.

Themes

• Madness vs. Reality – Can we trust Nick’s version of events, or is he completely insane?

• Guilt and Trauma – The film explores how the mind deals with trauma, grief, and suppressed memories.

• Supernatural Horror – The chair itself may be a portal to another dimension… or a metaphor for Nick’s broken psyche.

Reception

While The Devil’s Chair received mixed to positive reviews, it gained attention at festivals like Sitges for its unique voice and brutal intensity. Critics praised its originality and Andrew Howard’s performance but noted that its experimental style may not appeal to all audiences.

Over time, the film has developed a cult following, especially among fans of psychological and experimental horror.

Conclusion

The Devil’s Chair is not your typical supernatural slasher. It’s a disturbing, clever, and surreal trip into the mind of a man who may or may not be a monster. For fans of horror that goes beyond cheap scares — and makes you question everything you see — this film is worth a watch.