The Devil's Rock
A New Zealand war-horror film about a Nazi demon plot.
The Devil's Rock is a 2011 New Zealand horror film produced by Leanne Saunders, directed by Paul Campion, and written by Campion, Paul Finch, and Brett Ihaka. It combines elements of war films and supernatural horror, set in the Channel Islands on the eve of D-Day, and follows two New Zealand commandos who discover a Nazi occult plot to unleash a demon to win World War II.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Paul Campion
- Producer
- Leanne Saunders
- Writer
- Paul Campion / Paul Finch / Brett Ihaka
- Starring
- Craig Hall / Matthew Sunderland / Gina Varela / Karlos Drinkwater
- Music
- Andrea Possee
- Cinematography
- Rob Marsh
- Editing
- Jeffrey Hurrell
- Studio
- Chameleon Pictures / Devil's Rock / Severe Features / New Zealand Film Commission
- Distributor
- Vendetta Films
- Released
- 8 July 2011 · United Kingdom · 2011 · 9 · 22 · New Zealand
- Runtime
- 86 minutes
- Country
- New Zealand
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film was shot over 15 days in August 2010 in Wellington, New Zealand, on sets at Island Bay Studio, on location at Breaker Bay, and at Wrights Hill Fortress. Special makeup effects, including the demon prosthetics, were supplied by Weta Workshop. The story references real historical events, including the German occupation of the Channel Islands, Guernsey's history of witchcraft and the 'Bad Books' (books of black magic), and specific commando operations such as Operation Frankton and Operation Basalt.
Reader's Guide
The Devil's Rock is significant as a New Zealand-produced film that blends war and supernatural horror, drawing on real WWII history and occult lore. It was released theatrically in the UK on 8 July 2011 and in New Zealand on 22 September 2011. The film received a 56% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews. It won Best Makeup Design at the 2012 Sorta Unofficial New Zealand Film Awards and was nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design. Its legacy includes festival screenings at Fantasia International Film Festival, Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival, and others, and it is noted by critic Tony Lee as a worthy successor to Hammer Film Productions' ethos.
Did You Know?
- Special makeup effects for the demon were supplied by Weta Workshop.
- The story references the German occupation of the Channel Islands and Guernsey's history of witchcraft.
- The film was nominated for Best Makeup Design at the official New Zealand Film and TV Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Devil's Rock?
The Devil's Rock is a 2011 New Zealand horror film that fuses wartime drama with supernatural terror. It was directed by Paul Campion, produced by Leanne Saunders, and received co-funding from the New Zealand Film Commission.
What is the plot of The Devil's Rock?
On the Channel Islands in the days leading up to D-Day, two New Zealand commandos uncover a dark Nazi occult operation. The enemy is attempting to summon a demon that would tip the war in Germany's favour, forcing the soldiers to confront a threat far beyond bullets and bombs.
Who directed and wrote The Devil's Rock?
Paul Campion helmed the project behind the camera and also co-penned the screenplay alongside Paul Finch and Brett Ihaka.
Who stars in The Devil's Rock?
The principal cast includes Craig Hall, Matthew Sunderland, Gina Varela, and Karlos Drinkwater, who carry the film's central commando and supporting roles.
What makes The Devil's Rock stand out among New Zealand horror films?
It pairs the gritty tension of a WWII combat setting with a full supernatural-occult plot, a combination that is rare even in the broader war-horror subgenre. Its focus on Kiwi commandos rather than American or British protagonists also gives it a distinctly New Zealand identity.
More in New Zealand horror films 1-24
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