The Devils

In 17th Century France, Cardinal Richelieu manipulates King Louis XIII to expand his own power. He convinces the king to demolish the fortifications of cities to suppress any potential Protestant uprisings, marking a turning point in their political machinations.

King Louis XIII agrees to the demolition plans but prohibits any actions towards the town of Loudun due to a previous promise made to its governor. This decision sets the stage for future conflict as control of the town shifts with the governor's death.

With the governor's death, Urbain Grandier, a charismatic but flawed Catholic priest, rises to power in Loudun. He enjoys the support of the townspeople but hides a complex personal life, including an affair and a secret marriage.

Sister Jeanne, the disturbed head of the local convent, becomes infatuated with Grandier. Her obsession escalates as she seeks to have him appointed as the new confessor for the convent, unaware that he is already married.

Upon discovering Grandier's secret marriage to Madeline De Brou, Sister Jeanne is driven to madness. This culmination of jealousy leads to violent confrontations that cause chaos within the convent.

Baron de Laubardemont arrives in Loudun with orders to demolish the city, disregarding Grandier's authority. This sets off a power struggle as Grandier must rally the town's soldiers to protect their home.

While Grandier is away seeking intervention from the King, Sister Jeanne and Father Mignon begin to accuse him of witchcraft. This marks a significant twist in the narrative as the town becomes embroiled in a witch-hunt fueled by paranoia.

Father Pierre Barre, a notorious inquisitor, arrives to hunt down supposed witches in Loudun. His brutal methods of 'exorcism' lead to widespread fear and violence, targeting Grandier based on baseless accusations.

A public exorcism occurs, with nuns in frenzied states as they claim to be possessed by Grandier. During this chaotic episode, Duke Henri de Condé, disguised as the king, arrives, revealing the farce of the exorcism to the townspeople.

Upon returning to Loudun, Grandier and his wife are arrested without due process. He faces a show trial based on false accusations, highlighting the manipulation of justice in the face of mass hysteria.

Grandier is subjected to torture despite maintaining his innocence. Ultimately, he is sentenced to death by burning, a grim consequence of the conspiratorial actions against him in Loudun.

During Grandier's execution, the inquisitor Barre speeds up the process, leading him to die a horrific death by fire. Amidst the chaos, Laubardemont fulfills his orders to demolish the city's fortifications.

After Grandier's execution, the town of Loudun is left in ruins, signifying the destructive impact of power struggles. Sister Jeanne is left desolate, and Father Mignon’s fate is sealed as he is confined to an asylum.

The film concludes with Grandier's wife walking away from the ruined city, symbolizing the lasting impact of their tragic story. The narrative highlights the devastating consequences of fanaticism and the quest for power.