Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Horror thriller

The Devil Below (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The Devil Below (2021) movie poster

The Devil Below is a 2021 horror thriller directed by Bradley Parker, starring Will Patton as Schuttmann, Adan Canto and Zach Avery. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes and earned $12,008 worldwide. Critics gave it 17% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rotten Tomatoes
17%
worldwide gross
$12K
Echo Score
38
Loading streaming availability…
The Devil Below (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
Bradley Parker
Genres
Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Devil Below About?

The premise of The Devil Below without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Deep within the Appalachian Mountains, abandoned coal mines burn with an unsettling, years-long fire. A team of investigators is sent to explore the eerie silence and unravel the mystery behind the flames. As they descend into the tunnels, they discover a terrifying reality: they are not alone, and the burning coal may be masking an even greater, sinister threat lurking in the darkness.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

The Devil Below Cast & Characters

Will Patton leads the cast as Schuttmann, with Adan Canto as Darren and Zach Avery as Jaime. Directed by Bradley Parker; 14 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Bradley Parker

One more film directed by Bradley Parker: Chernobyl Diaries.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Devil Below Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Devil Below 17% on Rotten Tomatoes. Our Echo Score gives it 38/100, strongest in sensory experience (60) and weakest in character & emotion (30).

38 /100

The Devil Below Echo Score Breakdown

In sum, The Devil Below struggles to sustain coherent narrative and character engagement, even as it occasionally delivers effective suspense and striking visuals. Critics and users alike highlight uneven pacing and underdeveloped motivations that undermine emotional investment, with many noting predictable genre tropes and awkward dialogue. Positive remarks center on intermittent tension and moments of photographic artistry, yet these are overshadowed by the film’s logic gaps and forgettable characters. Ultimately, the film leaves a modest impression with limited lasting impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    Art & Craft are a relative strength, with several reviewers praising the film’s photography and camera work despite budget constraints. Observers note instances of smart framing, an attentive camera style, and surprisingly clear imagery. However, inconsistent production elements, such as mismatched costumes and occasional rough editing, detract from visual cohesion. Overall, the film shows flashes of craftsmanship but lacks polish throughout.

  • Character & Emotion 30

    Character & Emotion are notable weaknesses in The Devil Below, as many critics point to one-dimensional roles and unconvincing sacrifices. Reviewers frequently describe protagonists reduced to single traits, flat back stories, and dialogue that fails to generate empathy. Occasional acknowledgments of capable actors do little to overcome unnatural motivations or surface-level relationships. In the end, character dynamics remain shallow and emotionally unengaging.

  • Story & Flow 35

    Story & Flow falter under predictable plotting and uneven pacing, with reviewers citing stumbles in coherence and originality. The premise attracts some praise, especially in the film’s opening and final resolution, but the midsection lags as logic gaps and genre clichés dominate. A handful of viewers enjoy the slow-burn structure and open ending, yet most find the narrative momentum insufficient. Overall, the storyline delivers limited engagement and consistency.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory Experience receives modest approval for occasional tension and creature design, as some reviews highlight effective scares and a compelling sound design. Critics and users alike observe moments of palpable dread and competent audio work that elevate specific sequences. Yet the film often undercuts suspense with lackluster editing and muted atmosphere, leading to fluctuating immersion. Thus, sensory elements succeed in spots but do not sustain a cohesive terror.

  • Rewatch Factor 35

    Rewatch Factor is low, as the film’s uneven execution diminishes repeat appeal despite moments of intrigue. Viewers acknowledge that satisfying camera work and occasional tension could reward a second viewing, but persistent logic flaws and forgettable characters undermine lasting interest. While niche audiences and aspiring filmmakers may find value in its production achievements, the overall experience lacks the depth or consistency that typically drives rewatchability.

Plot

The Devil Below Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Devil Below from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the mining crew makes its departure from the Shookum Hills Coal Mine, the seasoned miner Schuttmann engages in a heartfelt dialogue with his son Derek about the reckless actions of their colleague, with Derek passionately advocating for a second chance. However, their moment of connection is violently shattered by an unseen horror that encroaches upon them like a chilling specter. In a frantic attempt to safeguard his son, Schuttmann takes action, but fate is cruel, and he is soon viciously attacked, leaving him incapacitated and Derek left to suffer in agonizing distress amidst the desolate surroundings.

Full summary

The whole story of The Devil Below, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

The Devil Below Box Office

The Devil Below grossed $12,008 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$12K

International
$12K
Videos

The Devil Below Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Devil Below.

The Devil Below | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainment
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Devil Below?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What tragic event happens to Schuttmann while trying to protect his son?

Cars

Cars in The Devil Below

1 car on screen: the 1915 Ford Model T.

  • 1915 Ford Model T in The Devil Below 1915 Ford Model T Minor role
Details

The Devil Below Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “Shookum Hills” and “魔坑”.

Also known as
  • Shookum Hills
  • 魔坑
  • Хребет дьявола
  • 下方的恶魔
  • 데빌 빌로우
  • The Devil Bellow
  • Deep Evil
  • Хребет диявола
  • Дяволът отдолу
  • Wrota piekła
  • Hố Sâu Tử Thần

Seen The Devil Below?

FAQ

The Devil Below FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Devil Below, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Devil Below?

The Devil Below runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was The Devil Below released?

The Devil Below was released on March 5, 2021.

Who directed The Devil Below?

The Devil Below was directed by Bradley Parker.

More films by Bradley Parker

Who is in the cast of The Devil Below?

The Devil Below stars Will Patton as Schuttmann, Adan Canto as Darren and Zach Avery as Jaime, among 14 credited actors.

How much did The Devil Below make at the box office?

The Devil Below grossed $12,008 worldwide.

How is The Devil Below rated?

The Devil Below has 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, 45% on TMDB, 1.9/5 on Letterboxd and 3.0/5 on Movie Insider.

Does The Devil Below have a post-credit scene?

No. The Devil Below has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app