Watch Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival

Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival is an American musical horror film which is a sequel to the 2012 movie The Devil's Carnival. The premise of the series is centered around a macabre, otherworldly carnival curated by the devil himself, played by Terrance Zdunich, who also co-wrote the film with director Darren Lynn Bousman. The carnival is a twisted, musical landscape inhabited by an ensemble cast of offbeat characters, performers, and sinners who face twisted renditions of their earthly transgressions.

The film blends dark fantasy, horror, and musical theatre into a unique cinematic experience that builds upon the mythology established in the first installment and expands its infernal universe. The eclectic score, composed by Saar Hendelman and Terrance Zdunich, features a variety of musical styles, from rock to operatic arias, all supporting the film's darkly whimsical tone.

In Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival, a cast of colorful characters, each embodying one of the seven deadly sins, find themselves at the mercy of the whimsical and manipulative Lucifer. Zdunich reprises his role as the enigmatic and devilish ringleader who orchestrates this morbid extravaganza, greeting the damned souls who have been sent to the carnival filled with regrets and unfinished business from their mortal lives.

Paul Sorvino portrays the character of God, the stern and almighty ruler of Heaven, who is disturbed by the chaos and mayhem unfurling within the Devil's domain. Sorvino brings a dignified and commanding presence to the role, offering a stark contrast to the chaotic underworld. The film portrays the ideological and philosophical clash between the Devil and God, playing out through the characters and the narrative.

Adam Pascal, known for his role in the hit musical "Rent," also stars in the movie, bringing to life one of the new visitors to the Devil's carnival. His character, like many others, is faced with challenges and temptations that play into the larger themes of sin, redemption, and judgement, as the carnival's twisted attractions test the limits of their morality.

Other important characters in the film are portrayed by a talented ensemble cast that includes Emilie Autumn, Barry Bostwick, and Tech N9ne, among others. Each character’s journey intertwines with allegorical set-pieces and song-driven sequences that comment on their vices, virtues, and overall humanity.

The narrative takes viewers deeper into the milieu of Heaven and Hell, exploring the consequences of personal choices within the construct of eternity. The Devil's Carnival serves as a mirror, reflecting the eternal decisions made in life, and cleverly uses fables and parables as an allegory for the plights of the characters. The unique and vibrant art design of the carnival and its otherworldly attractions complements the storytelling, with costumes and sets that are both visually striking and full of symbolism.

While Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival is a standalone sequel, newcomers to the series will still benefit from the rich backstory laid out in the first installment, as the film's universe abides by its own set of rules and mythology which are further explored and explained as the story unfolds.

The movie delights in the subversion of expectations, continually pushing the envelope in terms of the stylish horror-musical genre. Audiences looking for a combination of eccentric characters, dark themes, and passionately delivered songs will find themselves enchanted by the off-kilter world of Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival, where nothing is quite as it seems and each song holds a key to the deeper meaning of the grotesque fête.

As the film progresses, the tales of each sinner are exposed, and the audience learns about the layers of storytelling through song and visuals that interweave to construct the universe of The Devil’s Carnival. The symbolic nature of the carnival and its attractions provide subtle commentary on life, death, and everything in between.

Ambitious in scope and execution, Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival is not just a sequel but an expansion into a bold, larger-than-life universe where morality is dissected through the lens of fantasy and music. It’s an experience that indulges the senses and provokes thought, offering a carnival ride filled not just with melodies and macabre, but with musings on the very nature of sin and salvation.

Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.