# Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ Feels More Relevant Than It Did 55 Years Ago. That’s Because It’s About a World Gone Mad

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ken-russells-the-devils-feels-more-relevant-than-it-did-55-years-ago-thats-because-its-about-a-world-gone-mad/
- Published: 2026-10-31T17:46:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T18:23:21+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/film/columns/ken-russells-the-devils-feels-more-relevant-than-ever-1236936074/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Film, Fitness, Health, Horror, World

## Key points

- A restored, uncut *The Devils* drew nearly $2 million in its opening weekend.
- The 1971 film’s political and religious themes feel newly resonant to its critic.
- Its revival has brought crowds to a once-scandalous art film.

## Summary

A critic argues that Ken Russell’s 1971 film *The Devils* feels newly relevant, as audiences return to a restored, uncut version in cinemas. Its near $2 million opening weekend across 350 theatres suggests that a once-scandalous art film can now draw a broad crowd, and the writer sees its themes as speaking to the present.

Set in 17th-century France, the film follows priest Urbain Grandier, whose belief in personal freedom brings him into conflict with King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. The authorities exploit accusations involving the Ursuline nuns to move against him, while the film’s mix of religious provocation, political repression and a morally flawed central character complicates easy judgements. The article links its appeal to a culture increasingly drawn to rebellion and to art once censored or banned.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.