The Devil's Advocate

The Devil's Advocate

Year: 1997

Runtime: 144 min

Language: English

Director: Taylor Hackford

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

A rising lawyer, Kevin Lomax, is lured to New York City to work for the prestigious law firm of John Milton. As his career rapidly ascends, Kevin finds himself facing moral dilemmas and professional pressures. His wife, Mary Ann, experiences disturbing visions that suggest a sinister force at play. Kevin must navigate a dangerous path where ambition and integrity collide, ultimately confronting a profound darkness and the consequences of his choices.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Devil's Advocate yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Devil's Advocate (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Devil's Advocate (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie occur within the contemporary legal landscape, reflective of the late 20th century when legal dramas featuring high-stakes trials became popular in society. It portrays a time of moral ambiguity and the struggle between personal ambition and ethical integrity, capturing a sense of modernity where success often collides with dark undertones.

Location

Gainesville, Florida, Manhattan, New York

The story begins in Gainesville, Florida, known for its picturesque landscapes and the University of Florida, which makes it an idyllic small-town setting. The plot then shifts to the bustling urban environment of Manhattan, New York, a city celebrated for its vibrant lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and being a central hub for law and entertainment. This stark contrast between the quiet of Gainesville and the chaos of Manhattan underscores the moral and personal conflicts faced by the protagonist.

🏙️ City 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Main Characters – The Devil's Advocate (1997)

Meet the key characters of The Devil's Advocate (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kevin Lomax

Kevin Lomax is a confident and ambitious defense attorney known for his undefeated track record. However, as he ascends the ranks of the legal profession, his moral compass begins to falter under the influence of his powerful boss, Milton. His journey reflects a deep internal conflict as he grapples with his responsibility to justice versus his desire for success.

👨‍⚖️ Attorney 🌟 Ambitious

Mary Ann Lomax

Mary Ann Lomax is Kevin's devoted wife, who becomes increasingly isolated and troubled by the changes in her husband's character and their life in the city. As her mental state deteriorates, she embodies the emotional toll of Kevin's ambition, illustrating the tragic impact of neglect in close relationships. Her character brings a poignant insight into the consequences of ambition on personal lives.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 😔 Troubled

Milton

Milton is the enigmatic managing partner of the law firm who offers Kevin immense power and success. As the narrative unfolds, he is revealed to be a manipulative and malevolent figure representing Satan. His character symbolizes temptation and the moral decay that can come with unchecked ambition, challenging Kevin's ethics and ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

😈 Manipulator 📈 Ambitious

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Major Themes – The Devil's Advocate (1997)

Explore the central themes of The Devil's Advocate (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates the narrative as Kevin Lomax navigates morally questionable cases to secure not guilty verdicts. His journey reflects the complexities of the legal system, where winning can overshadow the pursuit of truth. The film questions the ethical implications of defending the guilty and poses significant dilemmas surrounding personal integrity and professional ambition.

💔 Despair

Despair is a central theme as Kevin's obsession with his career takes a toll on his relationship with Mary Ann. Her mental decline showcases the emotional repercussions of neglect and ambition. The tragic circumstances that unfold emphasize the devastating consequences of prioritizing success over meaningful connections, resulting in profound loss and regret.

😈 Temptation

Temptation is vividly illustrated through Kevin's encounters with Milton, who embodies the seduction of power and success. The allure of wealth and prestige draws Kevin deeper into a morally compromising world. This theme highlights the struggle against one's darker desires and the cost of succumbing to them, ultimately leading to a crisis of identity and moral judgment.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:06

Unlock the Full Story of The Devil's Advocate

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Devil's Advocate in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Devil's Advocate is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Devil's Advocate Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Devil's Advocate, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Devil's Advocate Summary

The Devil's Advocate Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Devil's Advocate with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Devil's Advocate Timeline

More About The Devil's Advocate

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Devil's Advocate: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Devil's Advocate

Similar Movies to The Devil's Advocate

Discover movies like The Devil's Advocate that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.