Picture a French town in 1634 where a single defiant priest faces execution after a convent of nuns erupts in claimed demonic possession. That charged atmosphere drives Ken Russell’s The Devils, a 1971 film that still sparks debate about authority and belief.
This article traces the movie’s historical foundations in the Loudun possessions, follows its plot and characters, explores Russell’s distinctive style, and considers its lasting impact on horror cinema.
Origins
Ken Russell, a filmmaker known for his provocative style, adapted the screenplay from Aldous Huxley’s book The Devils of Loudun, which chronicles the historical events that led to the execution of Grandier. Russell’s adaptation, however, strays from strict historical accuracy, adding layers of surrealism and psychological horror that have become his signature. The film’s production was plagued by controversy, not only for its content but also for its unconventional storytelling techniques, which include vivid imagery and an unsettling score composed by Peter Maxwell Davies.
Huxley’s 1952 account drew on trial records and letters from the period