Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker (2026) Film Review – Better the Devil You Know

Posted on by Jim Cox

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Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker is a 2026 American true-crime horror thriller written and directed by Chad Ferrin. Known for his recent true-crime thriller releases, Chad is known for writing and directing films including Pig Killer (2022), Ed Kemper (2025), Dorothea (2025), and Sunset Strip Killers (2026).

The film is based on the crimes of Richard Ramirez, dubbed The Night Stalker, an American serial killer who, from April 1984 to August 1985, would terrorise Greater Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area on a spree of serial burglary, rape, and murder. Known for killing at least 13 people (though thought to have killed 14-15), as well as raping and attempting to kill many more over a 14-month rampage, Ramirez was eventually apprehended on August 30, 1985, after he was recognised by a group of residents, who proceeded to chase him down and severely beat him until the police were informed of the altercation—eventually arresting Ramirez.

Richard Ramirez approaches his victim in Devil's Disciple: The Night Stalker (2026)

While Chad’s previous true crime thrillers have somewhat humanised the killer (Dorothea) or focused on their interpersonal relationships (Sunset Strip Killers), Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker correctly foregoes this attempt to civilise the killer—presenting him as the deranged devil-worshipping madman he was. Though the film presents the trauma Ramirez experienced in early life interspersed throughout, this is offered as more of an insight than any Freudian excuse.

Furthermore, due to Ramirez being detained by members of the public, despite the police’s best efforts to capture him, the film overlooks most of the police’s presence in the story, focusing solely on Ramirez and his murder spree. Although this can make the film feel somewhat one-sided, it maintains a high-octane pace from start to finish.

Richard Ramirez approaches a house in Devil's Disciple: The Night Stalker (2026)

Presenting a tenebristic level of darkness, Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker’s cinematography, by Jesse Cairnie, utilises deep shadows and penumbra to create a foreboding, tension-filled atmosphere. While this level of darkness can be excessive in certain scenes, the majority of the film judiciously balances its shadows with strong visuals. In addition, while the film features a similar, stylistic freehand camera shots, they feel smoother than in previous films.

While the violence depicted in Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker is sensationalised, the special effects present a more realistic portrayal to begin with. What begins with gunshot wounds and stabbings soon escalates in veracity, becoming far more brutal in its depiction—culminating in an incredibly visceral removal of a victim’s eyes. Achieved practically with impressive prosthetics and shown unabashedly to the audience, this grotesque act is as unexpected as it is brutal. That said, the film does use some CGI, mostly to supplement the practical effects. However, there are a few instances in which digital effects are used for the entirety of a scene, most notably during one home invasion, and they are observably poor in quality and execution compared with other instances.

Richard Ramirez breaks into a car in Devil's Disciple: The Night Stalker (2026)

Delivering a remarkable performance in the leading role, Peter Mendoza provides an incredibly intense rendition as the titular Night Stalker. Though beginning with an unnerving zeal as he is giddy with glee after his murders, Peter does a fantastic job of building on this fervency throughout. As he gradually becomes more erratic in his mannerisms, his facial features begin to contort, and his teeth become more discoloured—becoming more beast-like as the film progresses. Additionally, Peter has a strong resemblance to Ramirez in the film. With the aid of the same haircut and some dental prosthetics, the transformation is uncanny—certainly adding some credence to the performance as a whole.

Dark, gritty, and uncompromising, Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker is a harrowing insight into the heinous crimes of a crazed Satanic killer. With its sombre cinematography, disturbing portrayal of violence, and unnerving performance from Peter Mendoza, the film takes a significantly more melancholic approach to true-crime thrillers than Chad’s previous entries—competently displaying Ramirez’s psychological detachment. 

Devil’s Disciple: The Night Stalker (2026) will have its World Premiere at Monster Fest on October 3rd.

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