The phrase "better the devil you know" is the shortened form of the full idiom, "better the devil you know than the devil you don't." It and means that it is often better to deal with someone or something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than take a risk with an unknown person or thing.

It's one of those old-time religiously based sayings used through pop culture in everything from Kylie Minogue songs to independent film projects.

The latter is in reference to Milwaukee-based filmmaker Greg Augustine's 2009 indie movie, which was shot in Elkhorn and the surrounding areas last year.

The soon-to-be-released film follows three childhood friends who return to their hometown after the "real world" didn't work out the way they'd planned. Soon they find themselves blurring the lines of reality as their lives physically play out as characters from "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," a novel penned by one of the friends.

"Better the Devil You Know" opens Friday, April 17 at the renovated Geneva 4 Theater in Lake Geneva, the hometown of Augustine's business partner Laura Nehs. After the screening, Augustine, who served as writer and director, Nehs, who acted as producer and editor, and lead actor Tim Beringer will host a question and answer session with the audience after the feature presentation.

Augustine and Laura Nehs started Augment Image (AI) Studios, a production company that specializes in feature films, short films, and commercials, in Milwaukee in 2006. Prior to this feature, they've released three short films, "The Bench," "Intemperance," and "The Knights of Zodiac."

Augustine says he appreciates Wisconsin's film tax incentives and plans to stay local.

"I love it here," says Greg Augustine, owner of AI Studios, "I want this to be the site of my studio."

"Better the Devil You Know" show times:

Friday, April 17, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m.

Watch a clip from the film here.