The film begins with a voiceover explaining the Devil’s presence on Earth, often taking human form to torment sinners. In Philadelphia, a group of people enters an office building elevator. Among them are a troubled detective named Bowden (played by Chris Messina) and a security guard named Ramirez (played by Jacob Vargas).
In the climax, the elevator stalls between floors, and the lights flicker off. When they come back on, a maintenance worker named Dwight (played by Geoffrey Arend) is found dead. The passengers panic, and tensions rise as they suspect each other of foul play. Bowden, using his detective skills, attempts to keep the situation under control.
As the plot unfolds, it becomes apparent that one of the passengers is the Devil, and the elevator becomes a claustrophobic and tense environment as the passengers try to figure out who it is. Mysterious occurrences and supernatural events occur, leading to further chaos and suspicion.
In the resolution, it is revealed that the Devil has taken the form of a young woman named Sarah (played by Bojana Novakovic), who had committed suicide after causing a car accident that killed a family. As the Devil’s presence becomes more evident, the remaining passengers, including Bowden and Ramirez, must confront their own sins and confront the Devil.
The film concludes with Bowden and Ramirez successfully identifying Sarah as the Devil and exorcising her from the elevator. The remaining passengers are rescued, but Bowden is left to contemplate the events and the nature of evil.
“Devil” is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, clever storytelling, and effective use of claustrophobia. It offers a unique twist on the traditional horror genre by trapping its characters in a confined space and exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural.