The Devils Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A horny priest annoys the Catholic Church and some sexually frustrated nuns, so they stage a demonic possession to destroy him, resulting in the world’s most awkward barbecue.

🍿 The Devils: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Plague and Political Intrigue in Loudun

In 17th century France, Cardinal Richelieu plots to consolidate power under King Louis XIII. The fortified city of Loudun, led by the charismatic priest Father Urbain Grandier, stands as an obstacle to the Cardinal’s ambition. Grandier’s popularity and defiance of Richelieu attract the Cardinal’s ire, setting the stage for a political showdown.

Sister Jeanne’s Obsession and False Accusations

Sister Jeanne, a deformed nun, harbors a secret and intense obsession with Father Grandier. When Grandier rejects her advances, her infatuation turns into vindictive anger. Manipulated by political forces seeking to undermine Grandier, Sister Jeanne falsely accuses him of witchcraft, igniting a chain of events that spiral out of control.

The Witch Hunt and Public Hysteria

The accusations of witchcraft unleash a wave of religious hysteria in Loudun. Father Barre, a fanatical witch-hunter, arrives to conduct brutal exorcisms and extract confessions. The nuns, caught in a vortex of fear and manipulation, engage in increasingly bizarre and scandalous behavior, fueling the narrative of Grandier’s demonic influence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed): A charismatic and defiant priest in 17th-century France, protecting his city from the machinations of Cardinal Richelieu.
• Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave): A sexually repressed and emotionally unstable nun whose obsession with Grandier leads to his downfall.
• Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue): A power-hungry cardinal determined to consolidate control over France, willing to use any means necessary.
• Baron De Laubardemont (Dudley Sutton): A magistrate carrying out Richelieu’s orders to destroy Loudun and Father Grandier.
• Father Barre (Michael Gothard): A fanatical and cruel witch-hunter brought in to extract confessions and condemn Grandier.
• Madeleine (Gemma Jones): Grandier’s secret wife, whose relationship fuels the conflict and tragic events.
• Mignon (Murray Melvin): A priest, and confessor to Sister Jeanne, who unwittingly aids in Grandier’s downfall.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Grandier: “Don’t look at me! Look at your city! If your city is destroyed, your freedom is destroyed also… If you would remain free men, fight. Fight them or become their slaves.” – Grandier rallies the people of Loudun to defend their city against Cardinal Richelieu’s forces, emphasizing the importance of fighting for their freedom.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $2,293

💥 The Devils Reviews

Personal Review

I can’t lie, The Devils is one of those movies that sticks with you, whether you want it to or not. The imagery is intense, and some scenes are downright disturbing. Oliver Reed as Grandier is captivating, and Vanessa Redgrave is equally impressive. It’s a wild ride, definitely not for everyone, but it’s a powerful and thought-provoking film. I find myself thinking about it days after watching. The depiction of power and religion is thought provoking and disturbing.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ken Russell’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas with dark themes”
  • “Those fascinated by stories of religious fanaticism and political intrigue”
  • “People who appreciate controversial and thought-provoking cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic depictions of violence and torture”
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Religious blasphemy”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ is a visually stunning and disturbing exploration of religious fanaticism and political corruption, though its graphic imagery and controversial themes may not be for all viewers. The performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave are captivating.
• The Guardian: “A provocative and often shocking film, ‘The Devils’ challenges conventional notions of faith and power. While its excess can be overwhelming, the film’s raw energy and unflinching portrayal of religious hysteria make it a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
• The New York Times: “Ken Russell’s vision may overwhelm some, but the performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave command attention in this movie. The film’s depiction of religious hypocrisy and corruption are still unsettling and poignant. This historical fiction will shock the senses.

Audience Reactions

The film is a visually striking and disturbing commentary on religious and political corruption.: Viewers frequently praise the strong performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, as well as the film’s boldness in tackling controversial themes.

Many find the film shocking and not for the faint of heart, but appreciate its unique vision and historical context.: The film’s unflinching depiction of religious hysteria and political manipulation resonates with viewers interested in historical dramas.

Overall Consensus: The Devils is a controversial and visually arresting film that explores themes of religious fanaticism, political corruption, and sexual repression. While its explicit content and disturbing imagery may not be for all audiences, the film is praised for its strong performances and thought-provoking narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Derek Jarman’s set designs were inspired by Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis,’ aiming for an anachronistic and futuristic feel, echoing the ‘rape in a public toilet’ concept from the Huxley novel.”
• “Ken Russell insisted on avoiding the typical period film aesthetic, opting for a more modern and unsettling design to reflect the disturbing themes.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Devils?

As a controversial film, ‘The Devils’ has a complex availability history. Currently, it’s difficult to find through mainstream streaming services like Prime Video or Apple TV+. Your best bet is to check for DVD or Blu-ray releases from the BFI (British Film Institute), which has previously released a version, although possibly edited. Keep an eye on specialty streaming platforms that focus on cult or classic cinema, as they may occasionally offer it. Purchase may be your only option.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Devils, you might like these similar films:

• The Crucible (1996): Shares themes of religious hysteria and political manipulation during witch trials.
• Witchfinder General (1968): Explores the brutality of witch hunts in 17th-century England with graphic violence.
• Mother Joan of the Angels (1961): Explores similar themes of demonic possession and religious fanaticism in a convent setting, offering a more subtle and nuanced approach.

🛒 The Devils Related Products

• Aldous Huxley: The Devils of Loudun: The original book that inspired the film, offering deeper historical context and insight into the events surrounding the Loudun possessions. A must for fans who want to delve deeper.
• The Devils (Limited Edition Blu-ray): A restored, uncut version of the film on Blu-ray. Includes bonus features, such as interviews with the director and cast, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• The Devils: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Vinyl): The haunting and atmospheric score by Peter Maxwell Davies on vinyl. A collector’s item for fans of the film’s music.
• Oliver Reed – The Unauthorised Story: A biography of the actor Oliver Reed. Offers an insight into the larger than life character, with details about some of his greatest performances, including his performance in the film

🎧 Soundtrack

The Devils features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bourrée d’Avignon” – performed by Nicolas Vallet
• “Original Score Excerpts” – performed by Peter Maxwell Davies

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Devils Don’t Fly ||GVMV||

Ever wondered how a popular song like ‘Devils Don’t Fly’ would fit with the movie *Devil*? Check out this awesome fan-made music video and see the movie through a totally different lens – it’s surprisingly emotional!

Film Theory: The Devil Made You Do It! (Harmony and Horror)

MatPat (Film Theory) dives into the psychology of horror and examines how ‘Devil’ plays with our primal fears. It’s a fascinating watch that might make you see the movie’s themes in a whole new light!

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