The Devil's Advocate

Kevin Lomax, a talented defense attorney in Gainesville, Florida, is introduced as someone who has never lost a case. His reputation is put to the test when he defends a schoolteacher, Mr. Gettys, against child molestation charges, ultimately leading to his first significant ethical dilemma.

During the trial for Mr. Gettys, Kevin realizes that his client is guilty, which stirs internal conflict within him. By discrediting the victim during cross-examination, he secures a not guilty verdict, but this victory is overshadowed by his growing moral discomfort.

Celebrating his courtroom victory, Kevin is approached by a representative from the prestigious New York law firm Milton, Chadwick & Waters. He is offered a high-paying position and a luxurious apartment, enticing him to leave his small-town roots behind.

Despite concerns voiced by his devout mother, Kevin moves to Manhattan with his wife, Mary Ann. This marks a significant change in their lifestyle, trading the quiet life for the hustle and bustle of city living.

Kevin takes on the case of a Voodoo sorcerer accused of animal sacrifice, successfully arguing for religious freedom. As he immerses himself in high-profile cases, he grows increasingly absorbed in his work, causing emotional distance from Mary Ann.

Kevin is faced with another demanding case, defending billionaire Alexander Cullen, accused of murdering his wife and child. The case consumes even more of Kevin's time, leading to Mary Ann feeling increasingly isolated and distressed.

As Kevin fixates on his work, Mary Ann's mental health deteriorates, leading her to perceive demons everywhere. Her struggles culminate in alarming signs of her declining sanity, highlighting the toll of Kevin's burgeoning career.

After discovering the machinations of a fellow attorney at the firm, Kevin is horrified when that attorney, Eddie Barzoon, is brutally killed by vagrants. The savage act is witnessed by Mary Ann, deepening her psychological unraveling.

While preparing a witness for Cullen's trial, Kevin discovers she is lying about Cullen's alibi. Committed to winning, he decides to proceed with the testimony and ultimately secures an acquittal, further entwining himself in the morally ambiguous world of law.

Following the trial, Kevin finds Mary Ann in a church in a state of distress, where she reveals her horrific experience at the hands of Milton. Dismissing her claims as self-inflicted, Kevin has her committed, showcasing the dangerous grip of his ambition.

Kevin learns from U.S. Attorney Weaver about the illegal dealings of his law firm, finding himself caught in a web of corruption. However, the situation escalates when Weaver is killed right after revealing that Gettys was found with a dead girl.

Kevin's mother, Alice, visits Mary Ann in the hospital, revealing deep family secrets. Alone, Mary Ann sees Pam as a demonic figure and ultimately takes her own life in a fit of despair, leaving Kevin to grapple with the monumental loss.

In a shocking twist, Kevin learns from Milton that he is his father, revealing Milton as the embodiment of evil. Kevin confronts Milton about the damage done to Mary Ann, but Milton taunts him, stating that Kevin has always had the choice to escape.

Kevin faces a moral crossroads as Milton offers him power and wealth, asking him to father the Antichrist. In a defiant act of free will, Kevin shoots himself, rejecting his heritage and all that Milton entailed.

Kevin wakes up moments before making a fateful choice, confessing he cannot represent Gettys. This moment serves as a pivotal reflection on his journey, foreshadowed by the malicious grin of Milton in the guise of a reporter.