The Devil You Know

The Devil You Know explores the chilling story of Pazuzu Algarad, a self-proclaimed Satanist from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It unravels the disturbing events surrounding Algarad’s life and the heinous crimes he committed, offering viewers a haunting glimpse into the dark underbelly of a seemingly ordinary suburban community.

At the center of this series is Pazuzu Algarad, a man whose appearance and behavior were as shocking as his crimes. With devil horn tattoos, facial piercings, and a penchant for walking shirtless in public, Algarad cultivated an image that both terrified and fascinated those around him. It paints a vivid picture of his squalid home, a den of filth and depravity that served as the backdrop for wild parties, drug abuse, and ultimately, murder.

The documentary skillfully weaves together interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and people who knew Algarad personally, creating a multifaceted portrait of a man who managed to evade serious consequences for his actions for far too long. Through these accounts, viewers gain insight into Algarad’s manipulative nature and the power he held over vulnerable individuals in his orbit.

One of the most compelling aspects is its exploration of the community’s failure to intervene in Algarad’s escalating criminal behavior. It raises important questions about societal responsibility and the systemic issues that allow individuals like Algarad to operate unchecked for extended periods. It sheds light on the lack of resources and support for those struggling with addiction and mental illness, factors that played a significant role in the events that unfolded.

As the series progresses, it reveals the grim discovery of human remains on Algarad’s property, a turning point that finally brought his reign of terror to an end. It carefully examines the investigation that followed, offering viewers a step-by-step account of how law enforcement pieced together the evidence to build a case against Algarad and his accomplices.

Throughout, the filmmakers maintain a delicate balance between presenting the horrific details of Algarad’s crimes and humanizing the victims and those affected by his actions. By doing so, they create a narrative that is both informative and deeply affecting, forcing viewers to confront the reality of evil that can exist in their own communities.

The documentary also touches on the broader implications of Algarad’s case, exploring themes of marginalization, the allure of the occult, and the ways in which troubled individuals can fall through the cracks of society. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for better support systems for those at risk of falling into destructive patterns of behavior.