Ken Russell's The Devils
A 4K restoration of Ken Russell's The Devils is coming to Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater, offering a new chance to see this enduring masterpiece of cinema. This uncut and unfiltered theatrical experience is a defining work of art from the seminal filmmaker.
Dir: Ken Russell
Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Oliver Reed, Dudley Sutton, Max Adrian, Gemma Jones, Murray Melvin, Michael Gothard, Georgina Hale
112 mins · 1971 · United Kingdom · Cert 18 · English, Latin
IMDb 7.7/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 55% · Metacritic 52/100 · TMDB 7.5/10 · Trakt 74%
Awards: 4 wins total
Ken Russell's The Devils - Directors Cut
22 Nov 2026
Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater (Greenhithe)
The Devils is a historical psychological horror drama film that tells the story of Father Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century Catholic priest accused of witchcraft in France. The film stars Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, and its graphic portrayal of violent and sexual content ignited harsh reaction from censors upon its release.
Directed by Ken Russell, the film is a prescient epic of obsession and corruption, and its 4K restoration presents the director's cut as he privately constructed it in 2004. The film has been cited as one of the most controversial films of all time, and its critical reception has been significant, with some critics praising its visuals and performances, while others have condemned its explicit content.
The film has received various scores, including 7.7/10 on IMDb, 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 74% on Trakt. It has also won several awards, including Best Director at the 33rd Venice International Film Festival. Tickets are with the button beside the article for the screening at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater, Greenhithe, on Sunday, 22 November 2026.
Viewers have described the film as a "brutal" and "twisted" masterpiece, with intense imagery and a thought-provoking story. Some have noted that the film is not for the faint of heart, but that it is a classic for people with open minds, offering a commentary on the dangers of blind faith and the corruption of power.
Stills
What viewers say
moonkodi · 7/10
I first watched this in 1995 on the BBCs forbidden weekend. I was 14. And yes, television was way better. I never watched The Devils since. It left me with an intense feeling and imagery of sexual and scary things. I gave it another go now many years later, expecting no more than a revisit of a movie I'd now probably find laughable. No. It's still as brutal as I remember. Less so on the sexual aspects now I'm older but more on the actual story…
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mediumdave · 8/10
Man, I get it. Oliver Reed is fucking smoking in this, big studly stout manly man.
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siggi963 · 8/10
A weird and intriguing masterpiece in cinema history. Beware, this is not for the faint of heart or for people with strong catholic believes (though they could learn something if they would be able to open their minds to reality). It is though, to my mind, closer to the reality of what faith was (and is), namely a vehicle of power and perversion to control and abuse the simple minds. Very graphic, very direct and very strong in its message. Note…
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Redd Folger · 9/10
I thought this was a horror film and so I'm watching it as one of my Halloween season pictures. It's not that kind of horror though. I thought it actually had real possessions but tgis is really a historical psychological drama. As that it is an amazing film and one that I will be adding to my collection soon. The imagery is just phenomenal with amazing camera work for 1971 with extremely crisp shots and lighting. The plot delves into mass…
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kwontuum · 7/10
It’s a blessing not to have lived through the 17th century, which really wasn’t all that long ago in the grand scheme of history, and The Devils reminds you why. Writer-director Ken Russell doesn’t hold back in exposing the dark truths behind this historical tale set in France. He also incorporates the ethos of the 1960s, when the film was made and pushing the boundaries of violence, sexuality, and religion was increasingly fashionable, while…
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Tom_Frontman · 9/10
\[9-\] Perché non me lo hanno fatto vedere a catechismo?
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murarogool · 10/10
> The devil is a liar Absolute cinema and a blast being able to see it in theater 🍿
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FLY_
I can see why it was so scandalous at the time. It depicts a damning image of the Church. From Richelieu's political scheming, to the main protagonist being a priest but also impregnating young girls here and there. Then showing the travesty of exorcism, the use of torture to bring fake confessions, etc. However, the torture is not shown. There are orgy adjacent scenes but you actually just see some nuns t&a. There are not many graphic images.…
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