“The Devil to Pay” has been getting a lot of positive buzz, and deservedly so. It has been described as a thriller and a kind of Southern Gothic horror. While it is true these elements combine to make an engrossing story, the heart of the film is a mother’s love for her son. Lemon (Danielle Deadwyler) and her son Coy, (Ezra Haslam) are living a difficult, backbreaking life in the Appalachians. It is one of the poorest regions of America and also one of the most isolated. Lemon awaits the return of her husband who has left on an errand for a local matriarch of a powerful family who invokes a “creed” to maintain power under the pretense of keeping law and order. Lemon has never paid any mind to how her society shaped her life until she has to take action to protect her son. The love between them is the most believable, touching part of the film and little Ezra Haslam deserves a special shoutout for his portrayal. Continue reading Review: The Devil to Pay