Jon Heder Returns in Psychological Horror 'I See the Demon,' Out on Digital Today

Jon Heder earned a permanent place in comedy history with Napoleon Dynamite, a movie that made an awkward teenager’s talent show performance one of the most recognizable scenes of the 2000s. His subsequent roles in movies like Blades of Glory gave him plenty of opportunities to make uncomfortable situations funny. His latest project puts that skill to work in a setting where a laugh offers little reassurance that anyone is going to be okay.

The occasion is a surprise birthday party, with friends gathered to celebrate a woman who should have every reason to enjoy herself. Instead, the evening becomes increasingly difficult for her to understand, and the people around her don’t seem to share her concerns. Being surrounded by familiar faces offers little comfort when everyone else appears to be having a very different night.

Collider can exclusively share a new sneak peek from I See the Demon, the psychological horror movie starring Alexis Zollicoffer and Heder, which releases on digital platforms October 20 through Archstone Entertainment. Directed by Jacob Lees Johnson, the movie follows Lucy (Zollicoffer), whose surprise party becomes a nightmare as she experiences unexplained phenomena. The exclusive scene brings viewers to the dinner table, where conversation continues around an increasingly uneasy Lucy. Wine glasses and candlelight give the gathering a welcoming appearance, but her expressions suggest she is having trouble settling into the celebration.

Jon Heder Discusses Finding Humor in Psychological Horror

Heder plays Roger in an ensemble that also includes Mallory Everton, Noah Kershisnik, Dave Martinez, and Archelaus Crisanto. In an exclusive statement shared with Collider, the actor discussed bringing his comedy experience into the movie. He also addressed the challenge of making those lighter moments feel believable alongside the horror:

“As an actor mostly known for comedic roles, it's always fun looking for those side projects that challenge viewers’ expectations of you and your abilities. And while I may be handling one of the more light-hearted characters amongst an ensemble cast with very dramatic performances, I found it challenging to keep those comedic moments grounded so as to feel like this guy is right at home in this world of psychological horror. Sometimes in earth-shattering circumstances, when it feels like the world may end at any minute, we all have moments of sudden clarity and perspective, and we can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the pit we’re in, and that is what I wanted to explore with this role.”

Johnson wrote the movie with Davey Morrison and Martha Duzett. Its central mystery begins before the party, when Lucy sees something strange in the sky, and follows her into what initially appears to be a loving surprise. With her friends encouraging her to relax while unsettling events continue, Lucy has to make sense of an experience that nobody around her seems willing to acknowledge.

I See the Demon is available on digital platforms on October 20. Stay tuned at Collider for more.