Play the Devil

2016

1h 29m

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Reviews

20%

Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

During a carnival, an older businessman is intrigued by a gifted young man.

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Iquo B. Essien

Shadow and Act

One of the film's greatest strengths is its complex depictions of male relationships - among them: father to son, son to father, brother to brother, lover to young man, and young man to lover.

Aug 14, 2017

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David Bax

Battleship Pretension

Jenkins' performance is quiet and showy in just the right amounts.

Jan 6, 2021

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Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

Jones is impressive in a film that depends largely on his performance. He shows us that there's more going on than internalised homophobia or fear of compromising religious beliefs.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 28, 2017

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Bob Strauss

Los Angeles Daily News

There are more than a few horny devils on the island, and Bahamian director Maria Govan has a large enough spirit to accept them for who they are before matters turn dire.

Jun 27, 2016

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Audience Member

The scripts appear to be original and some scenes can make you feel stressed, annoyed and unsatisfied. Have we forgotten LGBTQ minority?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Audience Member

Imagine working an entire day ...then not getting paid This movie could have been quite good. But the ending (or complete last thereof) led me to subtract 5 stars. I would give this ZERO stars if I could. Imagine investing your time/effort in something that ends with NO CONCLUSION. It felt as if the writer/filmmaker completely gave up and simply went home without any regard for the audience. Why bother making something that you don't intend to finish? AWFUL!! Complete waste of time.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Audience Member

Just beautiful. Unforgettable. Unfortunately undervalued and underappreciated.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Audience Member

First of all the cast listed here in inaccurate. That being said, this film explores the relationship between a schoolboy (Gregory, played by Petrice Jones) who was acting in a play and who befriended a much older businessman, (James, played by Gareth Jenkins). In parallel to the ensuing friendship between the two men, the director allows the audience to understand the grit and dimension of "Gregory'"s domestic situation, building to a boiling point that prompts a weekend away from home. Coming of age, sensitive, deep emotional struggle set against a backdrop of Trinidad's rural landscape, up in the hills of Paramin, a community known for farming and Blue Devils (a traditional carnival character). This was captured beautifully and artfully by James Wall, the Director of Photography. I loved the quietness of the film, perhaps an intentional style by the Director, Maria Govan. This helped set the mood for confused 'Gregory" lost in his thoughts. The film achieves the story being told and builds the momentum and climaxes with powerful imagery. Not to be missed at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival. Screening on Sunday 25th September at 6pm) I loved it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Maria Govan

Director

Petrice Jones

Gregory

Blair Cameron

Celia

Ayana Cezanne

Kendra

Tami Deonarine

Michaela

Gareth Jenkins

James Young

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Synopsis

During a carnival, an older businessman is intrigued by a gifted young man.

Director: Maria Govan
Producer: Maria Govan, Abigail Hadeed
Screenwriter: Maria Govan
Production Co: Trinidad & Tobago Film Commission
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2018
Runtime: 1h 29m

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