Jon Heder may forever be remembered as the awkward teen who made tater tots famous in Napoleon Dynamite, but his latest role takes him far from the school gymnasium. The actor, known for his deadpan comedy in films like Blades of Glory, is now stepping into the shadows of psychological horror with I See the Demon, a film that hit digital platforms today.
In this new thriller, Heder plays Roger, a guest at a surprise birthday party that quickly spirals into a nightmare. The film centers on Lucy (Alexis Zollicoffer), who begins experiencing unsettling phenomena after spotting something strange in the sky. As her friends try to convince her to relax, the evening grows increasingly bizarre, leaving Lucy to question her own sanity.
Collider has an exclusive sneak peek from the film, offering a glimpse of a dinner scene where the conversation flows while Lucy's unease becomes palpable. The warm candlelight and clinking wine glasses create a false sense of comfort, but Lucy's expressions tell a different story—one of growing dread that no one else seems to notice.
Heder on Blending Comedy with Horror
In a statement shared with Collider, Heder discussed the challenge of bringing his comedic instincts into a horror setting. "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," he said. "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."
Heder's character Roger seems to offer a sliver of levity in an otherwise tense atmosphere, but the actor was careful to make that humor feel authentic. "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," he explained. "That is what I wanted to explore with this role."
The film, directed by Jacob Lees Johnson and written by Johnson, Davey Morrison, and Martha Duzett, also stars Mallory Everton, Noah Kershisnik, Dave Martinez, and Archelaus Crisanto. It's a departure from the kind of high-concept horror that often dominates the genre, focusing instead on the psychological unraveling of its protagonist.
For fans of Heder's earlier work, this role is a chance to see him stretch beyond the lovable oddballs he's known for. And for horror enthusiasts, I See the Demon offers a fresh take on the familiar trope of a celebration gone wrong. If you're in the mood for more unsettling viewing, you might also check out Stephen King's most flawless horror films or see what's coming to streaming with the century's biggest horror hit.
I See the Demon is now available on digital platforms through Archstone Entertainment. Whether you're a fan of Heder's comedy or just love a good psychological scare, this one promises to keep you guessing until the very end.
