The film does grip, despite the sometimes below-par quality of both the camerawork and the acting.

Mr. Goldblum, Ms. Baker and Mr. Bates (in a relatively small role) all seem professional, restrained and uncomfortable, which is at least a tribute to their good sense.

Thousands of actors have played Lucifer, but none has ever given him this particular charismatic brand of idiosyncratic loopiness.

Muddled is the perfect word to describe this mess.