The Devils

The Devils

Year: 1971

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

BiographyDramaHistory

A young couple's housewarming party takes a dark turn when a malevolent force invades, unleashing terror and chaos. As the entity’s influence spreads, appearances become deceptive and paranoia grips the guests. Trust erodes as people disappear, leaving behind an atmosphere of dread and suspicion. The remaining partygoers must confront the horrifying reality of the supernatural presence and fight for survival.

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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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Movies about religious corruption like The Devils

Stories where institutions of faith become tools for brutal political ambition.If you were gripped by the cynical political machinations and religious hypocrisy in The Devils, explore these films. This collection features movies like The Devils that delve into stories of power, fanaticism, and injustice, where faith is used as a weapon against the vulnerable.

cynicalgrotesqueinjusticepoliticaloppressivehorrifyingfrenzied

Narrative Summary

Narratives typically follow an individual of principle or passion who becomes the target of a powerful, corrupt institution. The conflict escalates from personal vendetta to a public spectacle of persecution, using mass hysteria, false accusations, and brutal punishment to eliminate the threat and reinforce the authority's control.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared thematic focus on the abuse of power within religious or ideological institutions. They create a similar viewing experience through a dark, cynical tone, high emotional intensity, and a bleak outlook on human nature and systemic injustice.

Movies about mass hysteria like The Devils

Films where a community unravels under the weight of paranoia and collective madness.For viewers fascinated by the frenzied paranoia and collective breakdown depicted in The Devils, this list finds similar films. Discover stories of societal collapse, witch hunts, and mass hysteria in movies like The Devils, where fear spreads like a contagion with devastating consequences.

paranoidfrenziedoppressiveanxiousgrotesquehorrifyingchaotic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a catalyst—a rumor, an outsider, or a strange event—that triggers deep-seated fears within a closed community. Paranoia spreads, trust dissolves, and individuals are accused and persecuted based on superstition or fabricated evidence. The story builds steadily towards a chaotic, often violent, climax that exposes the group's darkest impulses.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a powerful, oppressive atmosphere defined by escalating paranoia and the psychological horror of a group losing its collective mind. They are united by a steady pacing that builds unbearable tension, high intensity, and a focus on the grotesque spectacle of societal breakdown.

Unlock the Full Story of The Devils

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Devils 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 Devils is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Devils Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Devils, 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 Devils Summary

The Devils Timeline

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The Devils Timeline

The Devils Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Devils Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Devils

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More About The Devils

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