The Devils

The Devils

Year: 1971

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

BiographyDramaHistory

As a young couple's housewarming party descends into chaos, a malevolent force seeps in, corrupting their evening with terror. As the entity stalks its prey, appearances are deceiving and trust is shattered. One by one, the guests vanish, leaving only fear and uncertainty in its wake.

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Timeline & Setting – The Devils (1971)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Devils (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

17th Century

The 17th century was marked by religious turmoil, particularly in Europe, with conflicts arising between Catholics and Protestants. This period saw the rise of fanaticism and superstition, as exemplified by the witch trials and the harsh governance attempting to suppress dissent through fear and persecution.

Location

Loudun, France

Loudun is a historical town in France known for its medieval architecture and dramatic events that took place during the 17th century. The town became infamous due to the witchcraft trials and the bizarre happenings in its convent, ultimately leading to the tragic end of the prominent priest Urbain Grandier.

🏰 City 🇫🇷 France

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – The Devils (1971)
Meet the key characters of The Devils (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed)

Urbain Grandier is a charismatic and controversial Catholic priest who embodies the themes of pride and defiance against oppressive authority. His personal relationships complicate his life, leading him into a tragic downfall influenced by jealousy and manipulation.

👨‍⚖️ Priest 😡 Pride 🖤 Tragedy

Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave)

Sister Jeanne is a complex figure, consumed by her obsession with Grandier. Her neuroticism and desperation intertwine, transforming her from a devout nun into a tragic antagonist, driven to madness by unfulfilled desires.

👩‍🦰 Nun 😩 Obsession 🥺 Tragedy

Father Mignon (Murray Melvin)

Father Mignon is a conflicted priest who, caught between his faith and the overwhelming evidence against Grandier, becomes a puppet in the power struggles that unfold. His waning conviction leads him towards betrayal of a fellow priest.

👨‍⚖️ Confessor ⚖️ Conflicted 🙈 Betrayal

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – The Devils (1971)
Explore the central themes of The Devils (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Faith & Betrayal

The movie explores the conflict between faith and betrayal, particularly through the lens of Urbain Grandier's unwavering beliefs amidst the treachery of those around him. The obsessive devotion of Sister Jeanne toward Grandier shows how passion can warp faith into something destructive.

🔥 Persecution

Persecution is a central theme, as religious fanaticism leads to the unjust trial and execution of Grandier. The film serves as a critique of how power and hysteria can corrupt justice, turning innocent lives into scapegoats for societal fears.

😈 Witchcraft

Witchcraft becomes a tool of manipulation in the film, reflecting societal fears of the supernatural and the madness that ensues. The characters' accusations and the public's frenzy highlight the dark side of human nature when faced with the unknown and the desire to find a scapegoat.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

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