Written in 2012 for Sooner yearbook online.

Do you love theater but don’t have time to actually go see a play? Then I have something for you. Just in time for Halloween (four years ago), a dark comedy from writer/director Travis Betz—it’s Lo! He may be a demon, but he is still loveable—and gross, sarcastic and a wee bit evil.

The film takes place on a stage with two different sets and relies heavily on lighting to help tell the story. It goes a bit like this: Justin (Ward Roberts) summons Lo (Jeremiah Birkett) to help him find his girlfriend, April (Sarah Lassez), who has been taken by another demon that goes by the name of Jeez (Devin Barry). And then the fairytale story begins…

…or not. The demons proceed to put Justin through psychological torture while he desperately tries to rescue April. However, even through the dark moments, Betz is able to mix horror, wit and lighthearted gags perfectly. Most of the story takes place around a small circle that Justin must remain in to keep Lo from eating him.

Roberts is completely believable as a confused, hopeless romantic who is trying to be brave for his girlfriend. We learn about their relationship through a series of brilliantly-staged flashbacks of key points in their relationship. The comedic heart of these scenes is in the small touches rather than the dialogue or story. The flashbacks are basically satirical mini plays within the film.

During these mini plays, Roberts and Lassez deliver their lines more like rusty actors than the skilled performers we see in other scenes. Comedy and Tragedy hang out in the curtains, the extras can be seen goofing off in the background, and audience applause and laughter break through the quiet. However, all of the elements work together to create a wonderful contrast to the dark underworld of the rest of the film.

Betz allows lighthearted song, silly dancing, and a couple’s horrendous account of torture in hell to coexist in harmony. Somehow, it all feels right, even when it is so, so wrong. The cinematography is beautiful, the acting is both haunting and hilarious, and the music is fantastic. Lo may not be for everyone, but don’t write it off too quickly. If you are squeamish, you may be watching the inside of your eyelids at times, but it is well worth it when you open them to see Jeez’s lovely doo-wop rendition of “Demon Girl.”