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Thriller

The Devil You Know (2022): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

The Devil You Know (2022) movie poster

The Devil You Know is a 2022 thriller directed by Charles Murray, starring William Catlett as Drew Cowans, Vaughn W. Hebron and Ashley A. Williams. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes. Critics gave it 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Stream it on Philo and Starz, or rent or buy it on Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home.

IMDb rating
5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
36%
Echo Score
60
The Devil You Know (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Director
Charles Murray
Genre
Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Devil You Know About?

The premise of The Devil You Know without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A former convict, Marcus Cowans, struggles to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family. However, his troubled past resurfaces, drawing him and his loved ones into a dangerous conflict. They become entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a relentless detective, forcing them to confront difficult truths and the shadows within themselves. Loyalty and morality are tested as they fight to protect what remains.

The Devil You Know Themes & Keywords

· 26 tags
  • love
  • written by director
  • tv news
  • murder
  • reference to san diego padres
  • alcoholics anonymous meeting
  • home invasion
  • barbershop
  • reference to derek jeter
  • baseball card
  • hospital
  • under arrest
+14 more
  • hospital visit
  • police interrogation
  • brother brother relationship
  • n word
  • church service
  • f word
  • shot in the chest
  • shot to death
  • stabbed in the chest
  • family dinner
  • anonymous tip
  • man
  • murder mystery
  • whodunit
Where to watch

Where to Watch The Devil You Know

Stream it on Philo and Starz, or rent or buy it from Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

The Devil You Know Cast & Characters

William Catlett leads the cast as Drew Cowans, with Vaughn W. Hebron as Terry Cowans and Ashley A. Williams as Loren Cowans. Directed by Charles Murray; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Devil You Know

· 6 more
Ratings

The Devil You Know Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Devil You Know 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in character & emotion (78) and weakest in art & craft (38).

60 /100

The Devil You Know Echo Score Breakdown

The film draws a mixed response, with its strongest attribute being the performances that bring authenticity to a culturally resonant family drama. Critics point to uneven direction, editing, and pacing, while many viewers appreciate the solid acting and occasional moments of clever storytelling. Production values and narrative cohesion remain inconsistent, which tempers overall enthusiasm and limits broader replay appeal.

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

  • Art & Craft 38

    In terms of direction and editing, the film is frequently described as limp and lacking pulse, with critics noting miscasting and by‑the‑numbers cinematography. Viewers mention camera work that is not crisp and a production feel that borders on cheap. These technical shortcomings undermine the visual impact and result in a modest artistic rating.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to character depth and acting, the performances are highlighted as a major strength. Omar Epps and Michael Ealy receive consistent praise for delivering authentic and nuanced portrayals, and audiences note the cast's chemistry and emotional resonance. Some criticism exists regarding occasional miscasting, but overall the character work is regarded as compelling.

  • Story & Flow 65

    Regarding plot and pacing, the narrative is seen as thoughtful yet uneven. Critics observe a story that stumbles with logic gaps and a melodramatic third act, while some viewers commend the clever twists and engaging themes. The mixed feedback reflects both an appreciated premise and noticeable pacing issues that affect overall narrative cohesion.

  • Sensory Experience 45

    In the sensory domain, the film offers limited standout elements. Reviews rarely comment on sound design or score, and visual style is described as modest, with camera work lacking crispness. The overall sensory experience is therefore considered average, providing adequate but unremarkable support to the story.

  • Rewatch Factor 58

    The rewatch factor is tempered by strong performances and cultural relevance, which encourage some viewers to return for the emotional moments. However, narrative ambiguity and a confusing ending diminish replay value for others. Consequently, the film holds moderate appeal for subsequent viewings, reflecting both its strengths and its structural flaws.

Plot

The Devil You Know Plot Summary

What happens in The Devil You Know from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Aspiring actress Zoe Hughes is fiercely focused on forging her own identity in the competitive entertainment world, striving to match the success of her mother, the once-beloved film star Kathryn Vale. However, their bond is marred by an intricate mix of rivalry and deep-seated emotions. The tension escalates dramatically when Kathryn barges into Zoe’s dressing room, delivering a scathing critique of her daughter’s performance.

That evening, Zoe tunes in to see Kathryn promoting her newly released memoir, Behind the Vale, during a television interview. The discussion reveals the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of Kathryn’s husband a decade ago, which led to her retreat from acting. Although Kathryn dismisses inquiries about a comeback, placing the focus on Zoe’s rising career, her true desires remain hidden.

Full summary

The whole story of The Devil You Know, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Devil You Know Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Devil You Know.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Devil You Know?

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 profession does Zoe Hughes aspire to?

Seen The Devil You Know?

FAQ

The Devil You Know FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Devil You Know, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Devil You Know?

The Devil You Know runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was The Devil You Know released?

The Devil You Know was released on April 1, 2022.

Who directed The Devil You Know?

The Devil You Know was directed by Charles Murray.

More films by Charles Murray

Who is in the cast of The Devil You Know?

The Devil You Know stars William Catlett as Drew Cowans, Vaughn W. Hebron as Terry Cowans and Ashley A. Williams as Loren Cowans, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch The Devil You Know?

In the US, The Devil You Know is streaming on Philo and Starz and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home and Google Play Movies (availability from JustWatch).

How is The Devil You Know rated?

The Devil You Know has 5.3/10 on IMDb, 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67% on TMDB and 4.9/5 on Movie Insider.

Does The Devil You Know have a post-credit scene?

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

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