What Is The Devils About?
The premise of The Devils in 301 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet suburb, a newly‑wed couple prepares to celebrate the first night in their home, inviting a close circle of friends for a house‑warming that should feel like a warm, ordinary rite of passage. Anna and Mark have spent weeks planning the evening, arranging cozy lighting, a modest spread, and a playlist meant to echo their hopeful future. Their guests arrive with laughter and gentle teasing, filling the rooms with the familiar buzz of conversation that makes a house feel lived‑in.
Yet from the moment the front door clicks shut, an unseen unease settles over the gathering. The atmosphere grows heavy, as if the walls themselves are listening, and subtle shifts begin to ripple through the party. Shadows linger a fraction longer than they should, and familiar faces seem to flicker with strange, almost imperceptible changes. The tone drifts from convivial warmth to a nervous tension, each smile edged with a hint of doubt.
As night deepens, the guests become increasingly aware that something beyond the ordinary has slipped into the space. A malevolent presence, invisible yet palpably oppressive, weaves itself through the rooms, turning ordinary objects into conduits of dread. Paranoia spreads like a quiet whisper, making every creak and sigh feel like an intentional warning. Trust, once taken for granted among friends, begins to fray as the unseen force manipulates appearances and amplifies hidden fears.
The film balances the intimate closeness of a domestic celebration with an unsettling, almost claustrophobic horror that lurks just out of sight. Its style is deliberately restrained, relying on mood, sound, and the slow erosion of certainty to keep the audience on edge. In this unsettling blend of the familiar and the uncanny, Anna and Mark must navigate a night that threatens to turn their dream home into a prison of palpable terror.
What Happens in The Devils?
The complete story of The Devils, from the first scene to the last, in 712 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the tumultuous backdrop of 17th Century France, the ambitious Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) is weaving a complex web of deceit and manipulation, seeking to extend his grasp on power by influencing King Louis XIII (Graham Armitage). Engaging the king in persuasive dialogues, Richelieu successfully convinces him that the fortifications of cities across France should be dismantled to thwart any potential Protestant uprisings. However, the king, bound by a promise to protect the town of Loudun, forbids the demolitions there.
As circumstances unfold in Loudun, the recent death of its Governor hands control over the town to Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), a charismatic yet indulgent Catholic priest, renowned for his community standing. Grandier, engaged in a clandestine affair with a relative of Father Canon Mignon (Murray Melvin), finds himself oblivious to the obsessive infatuation held by a deformed and neurotic nun, Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), who fervently desires him as the convent’s new confessor. In a private ceremony, Grandier marries Madeline De Brou (Gemma Jones), yet the veil of secrecy is soon lifted, sending Sister Jeanne spiraling into a tempest of jealousy and madness.
This turmoil culminates in a vicious confrontation where Sister Jeanne, in a fit of rage, attacks Madeleine, branding her a “fornicator” and a “sacrilegious bitch.” Reinforcements for the disruption arrive in the form of Baron de Laubardemont (Dudley Sutton), who brazenly flouts Grandier’s authority to carry out the king’s orders for the city’s demolition. In a bold stand, Grandier rallies the local soldiers to thwart Laubardemont temporarily, until he sets off to petition the King directly for support.
Meanwhile, Sister Jeanne, misled by Father Mignon, proxies accusations against Grandier of witchcraft after her learning of his marriage. The information, distorted and exaggerated as it travels, transforms into a sensational claim that Grandier has bewitched the convent, igniting a frenzy of hysteria among the nuns. With Grandier absent, Laubardemont seizes the opportunity to concoct evidence of alleged sorcery.
In a shocking twist of fate, Laubardemont enlists the notorious inquisitor Father Pierre Barre (Michael Gothard), a zealot notorious for his cruel methodologies, compounded by depraved exorcism practices. The nuns, led by Sister Jeanne, come forward with accusations claiming that Grandier’s dark magic has ensnared them in sin. What ensues is a grotesque public exorcism, spiraling into chaos as the nuns, caught in religious tumult, strip and indulge in frenzied behaviors, besmirching both their sanctity and the decency of a holy communion.
The intervention of Duke Henri de Condé (who is, unbeknownst to many, a disguised King Louis) adds another layer of intrigue. Promising to exorcise the alleged devils possessing the nuns, he introduces a holy relic, only for it to be revealed later as an empty vessel, clearly exposing the charade of possessions to the townsfolk. But, unyielding in their paranoia and lust for vengeance, the witch-hunt escalates into a violent orgy of blasphemy as the nuns attack a statue of Christ.
As the layers of deception peel away, Grandier and his wife inevitably return to town, leading to his immediate arrest. The farcical nature of justice spills forth in a mock trial, where Grandier is subjected to brutal torture, yet miraculously manages to reaffirm his innocence to Mignon, who grapples with his waning sanity. Nevertheless, the judgment is swift and merciless; under the heavy hand of Laubardemont, Grandier is sentenced to a horrific execution—burning at the stake.
Even amidst the harrowing ordeal, Grandier’s steadfast refusal to admit guilt adds gravity to his plight. As flames encroach upon him, Barre’s fanatical fervor turns the execution into a spectacle of horror, culminating in an explosion that demolishes the city’s defenses and sends its inhabitants into chaos. In a moment of tragedy, Mignon, tormented by doubt, miscalculates and tightens the noose around Grandier’s neck before he can meet a more merciful end.
With the city’s fall into disrepair and disillusionment following Grandier’s fiery end, Sister Jeanne is left in shambles, her lust now twisted into a mournful obsession as she engages in a grotesque act with a charred remnant of Grandier. Meanwhile, Grandier’s widow, bestowed with freedom amid the ruins, steals away from the city—a haunting testament to the dark ramifications of power and obsession, wrapping the narrative in an unsettling silence as the echoes of tragedy reverberate into the lingering dusk.
The Devils Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Cardinal Richelieu's Influence” to “Grandier's Legacy”.
- 1
Cardinal Richelieu's Influence
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.
- 2
Promise to Loudun
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.
Where:Loudun
- 3
Urbain Grandier Takes Control
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.
Where:Loudun
- 4
Sister Jeanne's Obsession
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.
Where:Loudun
- 5
Jeanne's Descent into Madness
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.
Where:Loudun
- 6
Arrival of Baron de Laubardemont
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.
Where:Loudun
- 7
Accusations of Witchcraft
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.
Where:Loudun
- 8
Inquisitor Pierre Barre's Arrival
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.
Where:Loudun
- 9
Public Exorcism and Revelations
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.
Where:Loudun
- 10
Grandier's Arrest
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.
Where:Loudun
Show the other 4 events of The Devils Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Torture and Execution
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.
Where:Loudun
- 12
The Burning at the Stake
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.
Where:Loudun
- 13
Aftermath of Chaos
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.
Where:Loudun
- 14
Grandier's Legacy
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.
Where:Loudun
Who Are the Main Characters in The Devils?
3 characters, among them Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave) and Father Mignon (Murray Melvin): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed)
Played by 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
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Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave)
Played by 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
- FM
Father Mignon (Murray Melvin)
Played by 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
Where and When Is The Devils Set?
The Devils is set in Loudun and France (17th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of The Devils?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Faith & Betrayal, Persecution and Witchcraft.
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01
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.
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02
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.
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03
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.
What Kind of Film Is The Devils?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
An intensely bleak and oppressive historical drama that builds a feverish atmosphere of religious hysteria, culminating in a grotesque spectacle of public torture and injustice that leaves a chilling sense of cynicism.
- oppressive
- frenzied
- paranoid
- horrifying
- grotesque
- cynical
- religious fanaticism
- political manipulation
- witch hunt
- repressed sexuality
Content notes: torture, execution by fire, religious persecution, sexual hysteria, public humiliation, psychological manipulation.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Devils? Test yourself on the story.
