The existence of the Jersey Devil -- an age-old cryptid myth -- is re-ignited when a prominent land developer is mysteriously killed in the Pine Barrens. The impending pursuit reveals a centuries-old secret and a shocking truth. 

(Second Round Austin Film Festival 2021)

SYNOPSIS:

In the heart of New Jersey lies a vast wilderness area called the Pine Barrens, virtually untouched by east coast development. Among its preserved habitat of birds, reptiles and a variety of four-legged species, there exists a creature of lore that for centuries that has garnered the area’s most intrigue and mystery -- the Jersey Devil.

When a prominent land developer Richard Getz is attacked on a quiet stretch of highway while returning from the Pine Barrens, a reward is offered and throng soon invades the Pine Barrens in the hope of capturing the killer and the bounty.

Lucy Steelman, who attends a small liberal arts college in the area -- and whose father worked for Getz before he mysteriously disappeared in the Barrens a year earlier –- is rocked by report of Getz’ murder. The news accelerates her need to seek out what happened to her father. Armed with new information Lucy found among her father’s belonging, she enlists the help of Professor Thompson at the college who is well versed in the lore of the Jersey Devil.

When a crowd of gun toting, cellphone flashing thrill seekers is attacked by a mysterious entity in the forest, the local news runs the with speculation by local Pineys that this may be the Devil's work.

Aided by her two cohorts Brian and Andy -- who are all too happy to join in the bounty hunt -- they set out on their own path to find Getz’ killer. Brian storms into the night forest after a campfire spat and his foray leads him to a small chapel nestled deep in the forest and nearly inaccessible from the outside world. Andy and Lucy fearing the worst pursue Brian but are stopped as they witness a horrifying exchange between Pineys and a bat-like creature which leaves all the Pineys dead. Lucy and Andy escape the carnage but fear that Brian may be among the dead.

With Lucy’s persistence, Professor Thompson accompanies her and Andy as they return to the church to search for Brian. They appear doomed when they are attacked by the Devil until his attention is diverted by an all-to-familiar person to Lucy -- her father. They trail behind as Lucy’s father lures the Devil back to the church.

Within the small clearing surrounding the church an unbelievable transformation takes place exposing the Devil’s true being. A confrontation between the would be Devil leaves Lucy’s father mortally wounded. Lucy’s anger and newfound resolve propels her to act, and her actions uncovers a centuries-old secret and a shocking truth.

DEVILISH