2026’s Most Visionary Masterpiece Is a 55-Year-Old Uncensored Re-Release | Review
A new 2026 theatrical release of Ken Russell’s *The Devils* presents the first officially available uncensored version of the 1971 film. The reviewer says restored footage transforms the experience, revealing a technically bold work with satire, psychological horror and spiritual themes; the film’s renewed acclaim contrasts with its initially controversial reception.
Oliver Reed plays Father Urbain Grandier, a powerful priest in 17th-century Loudun, while Vanessa Redgrave portrays an abbess whose accusations of witchcraft help political leaders move against him. Inspired by Aldous Huxley’s non-fiction book and John Whiting’s play, the story draws on events in western France around 1634. The restoration uses material from Russell’s personal copy and the original negative, and the film’s theatrical run was extended beyond its planned one-week engagement.
In short
- The first official uncensored release of *The Devils* has arrived.
- A restoration brings back footage once censored or feared lost.
- The film has found renewed critical acclaim and an extended run.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The uncensored release gives audiences a fuller chance to assess Russell’s formally daring film, whose satire, psychological horror and spiritual themes may be obscured by the cuts in earlier versions. Its renewed theatrical interest suggests that restoring controversial work can deepen cultural understanding and let viewers encounter the film as its maker intended.
The case against
The film’s restored material may intensify concerns that its graphic and provocative treatment of religious authority risks overwhelming its historical and spiritual themes. A work can be technically ambitious and still invite scrutiny over how it depicts faith, sexuality and abuse of power; renewed acclaim need not settle those questions.
Explained simply
Ken Russell’s The Devils is a 1971 film based on events in Loudun, western France, in the 1630s. It follows Father Urbain Grandier, a priest whose influence brings him into conflict with political and religious leaders.
Oliver Reed plays Grandier and Vanessa Redgrave plays an abbess whose accusations of witchcraft become part of the case against him. The film draws on Aldous Huxley’s history of the events and John Whiting’s play, and combines political conflict with questions about belief and power.
The film was controversial when it first appeared, and some footage was cut from earlier releases. Its restoration draws on material from Russell’s own copy and the original film negative, making this version a significant opportunity to see more of the work as he made it.