Demon Fighter, a 2022 film brought to us by David Espinosa and Craig Ahrens , is now available for streaming on YouTube ( link below). In full disclosure, I did work on 2017's Belzebuth and am well versed in demonology as part of my art history studies. When it comes to films of this subject matter, I look for the small nuisances that separate and embody each demon.
The horror genre, which is currently in a Renaissance-type state, has repeatedly sunk it's fangs into kung fu movies. In fact, there is an entire sub-genre specifically for "Martial Arts Horror Movies." The connection between the supernatural and the apparently superhuman skills of martial artists has often been made in the past.
Fun Fact: Although ghouls, ghosts, the undead and evil priests had appeared in martial arts films from the earliest days of kung fu cinema, it was Sammo Hung's "Encounters of a Spooky Kind" that really kickstarted a whole martial arts horror genre and then there was "Blade" which brought the concept to a whole different level. This ever evolving category and the multitude of directions that it can go in is what led me to Demon Fighter.
A meth-addicted priest, played by the very talented John Ozuna, rescues people from everyday crime and participates in a "Fight Club" style underground fight in a warehouse. With the way NYC is at the moment, this scenario is not only plausible but probable to say the least. This is just in the first minutes of the film.
As with many of it's horror alum, Michael's backstory is introduced to explain his troubled existence. A lot of that takes the form of flashbacks, dealing with a drug addicted, prostitute mother, getting beaten by her clients and getting taken in by the church. It's a backstory we've seen plenty of times and lately it has become familiar territory in the True Crime community with everyone from Aileen Wuornos to Nicholas Cruz having a similar backstory.
After a series of attempts, John is asked to check in on his friend who has been acting a bit hinkey since he came across some ancient relics (have people not learned not to mess with artifacts by now????).
Now, the possessive demon is Abaddon or more affectionately known as, The Destroying Angel. Abaddon, as described in ancient Hebrew text is the spirit of Destruction, the Abyss, Sloth, Discord, Chaos, Disaster, Distortion, Evil. Abaddon is the fallen cherub that was tempted to fall by Lilith and becoming the Archdemon that rules the Abyss. He was known as the angel that banished Lucifer and his rebel angels after the War in Heaven. Abaddon is also more akin to a force of nature than a living being, as is evident by the fact his name can also refer to a portion of Hell where sinners are said to be surrounded by snow and fire. That was my main issue with the film.
Abaddon would not say, "Your mother spread her legs for a nickel bag". Even a demon as powerful as Satan openly admitted that he wishes to avoid a confrontation with Abaddon, implying that Abaddon is maybe even more dangerous than the King of Hell himself. I'm sure he would have better comebacks than that. When it comes to demonic portrayal in cinema it would be best to get yourself well acquainted with the character you are trying illustrate. It's not a one size fits all standard being. Every demon has it's own embodiment. Just say no to familiar demonic tropes.
I had hoped for more fighting and a more accurate portrayal of the hellion so it was a little bit of a letdown but overall, it was a solid indie film that ticked the right boxes with Halloween just around the corner.
