Devil (2010) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Devil is set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The story takes place primarily in an office building where five strangers become trapped in an elevator. The urban Philadelphia setting serves as a backdrop for the dark, contained thriller, emphasizing the contrast between the bustling city outside and the terrifying events unfolding in the confined space.

• philadelphia
• setting
• office building
• elevator location

Devil takes place in contemporary, modern times. The film reflects current societal issues including urban crime, personal struggles, and characters dealing with their pasts. There is no specific historical era indicated, the story feels anchored to present-day reality, emphasizing psychological turmoil and timeless themes of guilt and redemption.

• contemporary
• modern era
• time period
• present day

The two dominant themes in Devil are good versus evil and redemption. The narrative explores the moral struggle between light and darkness as characters face their past decisions. Redemption plays a crucial role, showing how acknowledging one's faults can disrupt evil intentions and lead to liberation, even in the most desperate circumstances.

• good vs evil
• redemption
• themes
• guilt
• moral struggle

The good versus evil theme manifests through the characters' internal battles with their past actions and moral choices. As the mysterious events unfold in the elevator, the Devil manipulates the situation, forcing each character to confront their conscience. The film suggests that the existence of evil implies the presence of good, and that personal accountability can triumph over malevolent forces.

• good vs evil
• devil
• moral dilemma
• conscience

Redemption in Devil centers on characters confronting their wrongdoings and seeking forgiveness. The film's climax reveals that recognizing one's faults can disrupt evil plans, portraying the powerful idea that acknowledging guilt can lead to liberation. This theme suggests redemption is possible even in the darkest situations, offering a bittersweet message of hope amid tragedy.

• redemption
• forgiveness
• guilt
• atonement
• liberation

Detective Bowden, played by Chris Messina, is a troubled investigator dealing with the loss of his family. He struggles with alcoholism and is haunted by personal demons while actively working to uncover the truth behind the mysterious elevator events. His character represents a man seeking closure and redemption as he investigates the terrifying ordeal.

• detective bowden
• chris messina
• investigator
• protagonist

Ben Larson, portrayed by Bokeem Woodbine, is a temp security guard trapped in the elevator with the other characters. He grapples with a violent history and possesses a complex, layered personality that reveals both vulnerability and potential for danger. His character adds to the paranoia and suspicion among the trapped group.

• ben larson
• bokeem woodbine
• security guard
• character

The film Devil incorporates supernatural elements involving the Devil himself, who manipulates the events among the trapped individuals. This presence raises questions about fate, divine intervention, and whether evil can be defeated through human moral choices. The supernatural threat drives the tension and paranoia throughout the confined thriller setting.

• devil
• satan
• supernatural
• evil force
• mystery

The five strangers trapped in the elevator include a security guard (Ben Larson), a wealthy businessman, an older woman, a young woman, and a salesman. Each character has hidden secrets and troubled histories that surface as the situation deteriorates. Their diverse backgrounds and concealed pasts create suspicion and paranoia within the confined space.

• five strangers
• elevator
• trapped characters
• group dynamic

Philadelphia serves as more than just a backdrop, the city's iconic architecture and urban landscape heighten the stark contrast between normal city life and the tragedy unfolding inside the office building. The setting emphasizes themes of urban isolation and the darkness that can exist within a modern metropolitan environment.

• philadelphia
• city
• urban setting
• architecture