Movies
Explaining Tobi, Asmodeus, and the Midwives of the ‘Paranormal Activity’ Franchise
Welcome back to Horror 101, a series of articles where we explain horror movie legends and their lore. For beginners, the confused, or just those who need a refresher, these articles are for you. All of us here at Horror Press have a love for found footage horror movies, which inspired our latest lesson. Today we’ll be revisiting Blumhouse’s powerhouse franchise and the king of all found footage films (box office wise, at least). That’s right, we’re tackling Paranormal Activity.
With tons of time travel, loads of lore, and one hard reboot under its belt as of 2021, we need to answer quite a few questions about this series’ enigmatic villains: the (mostly) unseen force Tobi, his minions, the Midwives, and his much more recent counterpart Asmodeus.
The Paranormal Activity Franchise Explained
What is Tobi?
An immeasurably old demon (because when are they ever young demons?), Tobi is the main antagonist in the Paranormal Activity series. Feeding on the suffering and fear of his human victims, he is an inscrutable evil that communed almost entirely with children to torture their families. Once he had succeeded in breaking his victim’s minds, he would possess them and “pilot” their bodies to further his own goals.
For much of the series, Tobi doesn’t have one defined form and is usually massless and invisible. Our only hint in the original Paranormal Activity of what he looks like are some strange footprints. In Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, he manifests on spirit photography as a shadowy cloud of vaguely human-shaped energy. He had a gaunt, pale face that was barely visible and used tentacles of shadowy energy to manipulate objects and attack people.
We also learn that Tobi’s strength waxes and wanes based on the suffering he can get out of his victims. This manifested in him growing and shrinking over time, implying he has to feed on misery to reach his full potential literally.
What is Asmodeus?
Taking the name of the biblical demon, Asmodeus is the antagonist of Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin, and is presumably that same demon.
At some point in history, the Norwegian village of Beskytter was beset by the demon, who caused a mass slaughter by driving villagers into a violent madness. The village elders managed to subdue the demon by forcing it into a body, forming an isolated cult. From there, Asmodeus was forcibly transferred down a long matriarchal line from mother to daughter as a means of trapping the demon and keeping it from reaching full strength.
It would escape by the end of Next of Kin, though, free to walk the earth in the body of the villager Samuel.
Asmodeus’ true form is never revealed, unlike Tobi, although we do see the end stage of demonic possession from Asmodeus turns his victims into gaunt, pale monstrosities with superhuman strength and speed similar to the Marked Ones.
Wait, so Tobi and Asmodeus Aren’t the Same?
No, not at all. If the people who had popularized this claim had seen these films, I don’t know how they would have thought this.
As far as the movies are concerned, there is no connection between the two demons outside of the possibility that they share the same universe, and even that is dubious at best, given that Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin is a hard reboot. Fan wikis assert with much misplaced confidence that they are the same entity. Still, the cult of Beskytter from Next of Kin doesn’t practice any of the same rituals as Tobi’s Midwives and seems dedicated to containing a demon rather than giving it new forms to walk the earth.
What Can Tobi Do?
Outside of a human body, Tobi is a disembodied spirit with all the classic abilities that would entail. He has telekinetic abilities that allow him to move people and objects, famously dragging and throwing his victims to torture them; still, it takes time for him to build up these powers and reach the level of flinging people around. At his strongest, he can instantly impale one of his victims with his tentacles and even liquefy them from the inside out, as he does with Skyler in The Ghost Dimension.
This is the exception, however, and usually, he has to act through living beings or be given a physical “real” form. Victims who are bitten and then possessed by Tobi, known as the Marked Ones, exhibit superhuman strength, telekinesis, levitation, teleportation, and take on a demonic appearance marked by visible blackened veins.
However, Tobi’s most prominent power is in his ability to manipulate time and space, making pathways to other points in history out of even normal doorways and walls that are inscribed with his demonic runes. It’s possible this is simply a trait of the Ghost Dimension that Tobi can utilize as a spirit, as humans are also able to travel through portals that bear his markings.
While it isn’t outright stated, it’s possible that being divorced from the natural flow of time allows him to possess multiple victims at once, as with Oscar, Jesse, and a young Katie & Kristi being possessed simultaneously in The Marked Ones (circa 2014) while Tobi was terrorizing Katie and Micah in the first film (circa 2006).
Who Are the Midwives?
The Midwives are an international coven of witches who do the bidding of Tobi. The most prominent of the Midwives was Lois, the grandmother of Tobi’s favorite victims Katie and Kristi. Though only a few people such as Ali Rey and Oscar were aware of it, there is a throughline in many kidnapping cases that connects missing children to the Midwives coven. It’s clear that they conscript the children to serve as members of the cult and enforcers, but what this army will be used for other than recruiting more people is uncertain.
The Midwives have a diverse set of abilities themselves. They not only are granted wealth and power among humans but also have access to dark magics. They can curse their victims, mentally and physically control others, and create dimensional portals. Of course, all this comes at a cost: namely, the firstborn son of their family, and pledging an undying loyalty to a black cloud that hucks people like footballs.
What Does Tobi Want?
If we go by what Micahs’ super thorough research says in the first movie, demons like Tobi cause suffering for their amusement. But we do know there is a greater plot at hand due to the actions of the Midwives, Tobi’s faithful witch acolytes.
He spends most of the series grooming Katie and Kristi Featherston to be his “brides” as part of a demonic ritual that spans through time. It’s eventually revealed in Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension that there is an ages-long prophecy to open a door to, you guessed it, the Ghost Dimension, so that Tobi can walk freely on Earth.
The ritual involved using a young Katie and Kristi to find Leila Fleege, who would be born on the same day and time as Kristi’s son Hunter Rey. Father Todd says this is significant because they were born on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the millennium, which marks the number of the beast for the ritual.
…Even though she was born in 2005, not 2006?
Look, it’s demon math; it doesn’t make sense, that’s what makes it scary.
Using Leila’s blood to open the gate, Tobi can take on a human host, presumably one of the many Marked Ones the Midwives made. From here, who knows what happens. Some references to a passage in Revelations during Ghost Dimension make it seem like Tobi is trying to usher in the apocalypse in some way, but who knows since the movies only give us the cut-and-dry answer: he wants a body.
Because he’s a movie demon. Of course he wants a body; it’s all they ever want. And as of the latest film, he got one.
Where Is Tobi Now?
Everywhere? Kind of. And everywhen, for that matter, given the whole time travel thing.
We also know there are sects of Midwives all over the world from Oscar’s conspiracy map, so if there are Marked Ones internationally, Tobi would have to have some level of omnipresence. And assuming that body of his burns out, he’s got plenty of backups. If we’re lucky, a future film will explore this.
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And that will be it for today’s Horror 101 lesson. See you in the next class, and stay tuned to Horror Press’s social media feeds for more content concerning horror movies, television, and everything in between!
‘Tis February, and because of 2025’s Heart Eyes, we now celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many outlets are going to list romantic horror movies featuring the ultimate horror couples, we’re doing something different at Horror Press. We’re highlighting horror movie red flags. That way, you don’t waste your time this Hallmark season with duds who watch crap. These movies are grounds for automatic swipes to the left and leaving messages on read. Read this list to see the ultimate film filter to help you focus on more sustainable hookups, dates, and cuffing season partners.
8 Horror Movies That Are Dating Red Flags
A Serbian Film (2010)
An old pornstar agrees to do an art film only to discover it’s a snuff film. A Serbian Film is possibly the reddest of the red flags. The pedophilia and necrophilia make it a hard watch, so anyone who revisits it often should probably raise all your alarms. We try not to judge people, but this is definitely a title that will get you some bombastic side eye if you try to bring it to movie night. Would definitely not recommend spending the night after being shown this hellish title.
Any Eli Roth Movie
They’re all the same, and that’s why Eli Roth movies are the free space on this red flag bingo board. Whether it’s taking place in a cabin, a hostel, or during Thanksgiving, there is something inherently gross about a Roth film. I need a shower whenever some guy tries to convince me Roth has made any movies of note. Only people who want to be ghosted are suggesting these movies, and you should respect their wishes this February.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
A paranormal investigator looks into mysterious events that connect to his past. There is nothing nice to say about this Uwe Boll movie. It’s actually one of the few movies where I can’t even count on the design team when searching for compliments. While Christian Slater, Tara Reid, and Stephen Dorff have the misfortune of being the faces we associate with this shit fest, I’m not even letting the colorist and craft service off for their parts in this dud. When we talk about how we all love an occasional bad movie, no one means this one. This makes Alone in the Dark a red flag and alerts you that someone might not have taste.
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
A 1988 prom queen race turns deadly when a killer begins slaying the candidates. Fear Street: Prom Queen is another huge red flag because it has no redeeming qualities. People who like this movie are being contrarians and should immediately lose the right to recommend movies. From the lack of energy to the unserious kills, there is no reason to swipe right on anyone pretending this movie is good. Save yourself some time and probably more ridiculously bad watches and shut it down immediately.
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
When a Fourth of July Prank goes wrong, someone dies, and their friend circle finds themselves stalked by a mysterious figure. No matter what we think of any other installment/iteration of this story, this one is the worst. This is not my franchise, but this steep decline in quality is not like the others. Anyone who likes this movie is a walking red flag and possibly the most chaotic individual you have ever met.
Men (2022)
A woman heads to the English countryside to work through trauma and discovers more horrors are awaiting her. Men should have been my last straw with Alex Garland. However, I am a damn fool and suffered through Civil War, too. Which is why I can confidently say most Garland films are a red flag for me, but Men specifically underscores all of my problems with his work. If someone likes this movie, I will need them to explain it to me like I am five years old.
Skinamarink (2022)
Two kids wake up in the middle of the night and find that all of their doors and windows are gone. Skinamarink is the embodiment of “Girl, What?” The grainy footage gives many people headaches, and too much time is dedicated to the ceiling. Listening to people suggest watching it in closets, under blankets, with headphones to fully “get it” is weird and extremely unsexy. Which is why the movie and the people forcing the mood onto it are all red flags. I don’t want to kink shame but if someone is that into ceilings then maybe we’re not a good match.
Red Christmas (2016)
A family Christmas Eve gathering is interrupted by a killer seeking revenge. I cannot think of a bigger red flag than an anti-choice Christmas movie. I like my horror to be on the correct side of feminism, and this mess feels gross from a distance. That’s why this Dee Wallace title is a huge red flag and a festive horror mood killer. I know people like to talk about the great kills in this movie, but I insist on not hooking up with guys who like this one. If for no other reason, it probably tells you where they land on Roe v. Wade and we do not have time for that.
So these are some horror red flags from our team to your group chats. Now you can’t say no one warned you about the Eli Roth filmbros, or A Serbian Film fanatics.
Happy hookups and potential dating now that you know what to be on the lookout for! Never forget that it’s okay to swipe left, force close the app, and watch better horror movies than the ones listed above.
It’s still too cold to seriously consider going outside, so I am still in my couch potato era. Cozy, comfort, and Netflix are the three words people will hear me chanting under my breath this month. I also recently finished a group rewatch of Slasher: Solstice and have been looking at the other TV shows currently living on Netflix. Which is why I am looking for the warmth of my next quick binge. That’s right! I’m here with a few shows that could be taken down in one frosty February weekend. Most of them have been on my radar forever, and one of them I want to revisit because it screams lazy Stephen King Sunday. However, what I find most appealing about each of them is that I am guaranteed to lose at least a whole day if it’s a match made in hell.
Without further ado, here are the five titles I have my evil eye on this month. Check out my five Netflix picks for this February below! Happy binging to all my fellow couch potatoes!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Archive 81 (2022)
An archivist finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult. I missed Archive 81, but have only heard good things about it. Which is why it’s weird it was cancelled after only one season, consisting of eight episodes. The popular show was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and starred talent like Mamoudou Athie and Matt McGorry. So, I’m long overdue for this Netflix watch and am excited to finally see what all of the fuss is about.
Castle Rock (2018 – 2019)
A series set in the town of Castle Rock and inhabited by characters from some of Stephen King’s most infamous works. This is the only show on this streaming guide that I have already seen. However, it’s very cozy, and I want to go back in. While this divisive series wasn’t for everyone, it scratched my King itch better than most of his adaptations. Also, this cast was ridiculously stacked. Where else can you see André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård, Jane Levy, Sissy Spacek, and Lizzy Caplan all play together? I will definitely be revisiting these twenty episodes that make up these two seasons of what the fuckery.
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
An immortal who feeds on children is threatened by a young woman with a mysterious gift. This show has circled my list forever, and it’s high time I cross it off my list. I also need to know what Zachary Quinto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were doing during this era of genre TV for research. I’m ready to run through these twenty episodes and report back on my findings. More importantly, I love to see a show with big “fuck them kids” energy. So, fingers crossed, he eats a few kids to keep me leaned in. I need this to be good for so many reasons.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
A mob family in 1900s England sews razor blades in their caps and causes a ruckus. I am so ready to find out how this alleged crime drama collected so many horror fans. Is it just because it stars Cillian Murphy? Or is it very bloody and violent due to the razor blades being a key factor? Whatever the case, I’m excited to see all six seasons on Netflix. I plan to take these thirty-six episodes down like it is my job. I also cannot get over how lucky I have been to avoid all spoilers for the show, and I need to jump on it before someone ruins it for me already.
Reality Z (2020)
When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, a TV studio becomes a shelter for a small band of survivors in Rio de Janeiro. Because of the pandemic, I missed this Brazilian horror show. However, this seems like the kind of international gory zombie situation that I would like to make my new personality. I’m looking forward to seeing if these 10 episodes are one of the few reasons to keep talking to Netflix this year. Fingers crossed it is a scary good time, because we deserve some scares this February.
So, that’s where you can find me this February. Under a weighted blanket, in front of a TV, and eagerly taking advantage of the shows Netflix has collected. Let me know if any of these titles on my list will be your excuse to stay in this winter, too. Although, I am sure many of you will be revisiting your favorite Mike Flanagan Netflix Originals. Meanwhile, I am trying to get into some new (to me) stuff because the winter of our discontent is upon us. I plan to beat the winter of our discontent by being unreasonably comfortable and drowning in genre shows. I advise you to do the same because the weather outside is frightful and we have no place to go.
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