AllMovie

Satanic antics and unnatural family relations abound in this twisted Halloween tale about a kindly old gent (Hy Pyke) who initiates his innocent grandson (Gregory Scott Cummins) into a devil-worshipping cult at a tender age, culminating in his induction as a full-fledged member in young adulthood. Despite what would seem to be a clear indication of the cult's practices -- including human sacrifices and perverse sex rituals -- Cummins is strangely resistant to Grandpa's suggestions that he commit a ritual murder himself in order to fulfill his destiny and become the group's new leader. This may have something to do with the fact that Pyke is not actually the man's grandfather but his true father, having slept with his own daughter in the hope of siring a worthy successor. Viewers who find these sorts of plot twists appealing will still be utterly confused by the last reel.