'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Black Demon was originally conceived as a horror film, but in an attempt to broaden its audience appeal, the genre was watered down, removing most of the horror elements. Directed by Adrian Grunberg, the movie was released on April 28, 2023, and features a main cast that includes Josh Lucas, Fernanda Urrejola, and Julio Cesar Cedillo.
The Black Demon follows the story of a mythical creature known as El Demonio Negro, a megalodon shark residing off the coast of Baja. Paul and Ines, along with their two children, arrive on the island to work for the El Diamante oil company. However, their intended stay takes an unexpected turn when the island is suddenly deserted, and the locals are far from welcoming.
The family becomes stranded on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean with no other options. The IMDb synopsis of The Black Demon states:
"Stranded on a crumbling rig in Baja, a family faces off against a vengeful megalodon shark."
"The Curse of El Diamante": What is the history behind The Black Demon?
The people of Baja believe that Nixon Oil's El Diamante oil rig is cursed, leading to people fleeing or dying mysteriously. Paul initially laughed off these superstitions, but the desolate condition of the oil rig started to make him believe otherwise. When they arrive, only two men and a dog are present. Ines senses an eerie atmosphere, and when her children touch the water, they find it oily.
As their boat is surrounded by megalodons, two rig workers attempt to divert the shark. All four family members, including Paul and his family, managed to return safely to land with the help of locals. However, they discover that the people who aided them have been killed by the megalodon. Ines later learns that Paul had turned a blind eye to a massive oil leak from the rig, initially citing concerns but eventually staying silent due to company threats to protect his well-paying job.
The two individuals on the rig believe that the megalodon is not just a creature but a curse. According to local lore, there is an ancient god named Tlaloc, whose tears formed the oceans and other bodies of water. When humans exploit such creations, Tlaloc is said to become enraged and send the megalodon to teach humanity a lesson.
Survivors of the creature's attacks report seeing visions believed to be what Tlaloc wants humanity to witness. As the situation spirals out of control, Nixon decides to blame Paul for the mistakes, making him the perfect scapegoat. When Paul discovers this betrayal, he decides to destroy El Diamante.
Did Paul and his family survive the bombing in The Black Demon?
Paul chooses to take matters into his own hands and destroy the rig. Along with his family and a man from the rig, he prays to Tlaloc for mercy. However, halfway into the ocean, he is attacked by the megalodon while the bomb is ticking down. He manages to contact his family to bid them a final farewell and informs the villagers that he has compiled a document detailing all of Nixon's errors.
He urges them to use it to seek justice. Paul attaches the bomb to himself, and just as it's about to detonate, the megalodon swallows him whole. From a distance, Paul's family witnesses the scene, realizing that Paul has sacrificed his life. Paul's family and the Baja village survive, with Paul having made the ultimate sacrifice in The Black Demon.
