The Devils is a film that was released in 1971 and directed by Ken Russell. It is based on the true story of Urbain Grandier, a Roman Catholic priest in the 17th century who lived in the French city of Loudun. The movie is set during a time when the Church was becoming increasingly paranoid about the rise of Protestantism and was using the threat of witchcraft to maintain its power.
The film begins with Grandier (played by Oliver Reed) as a charismatic and controversial figure who is loved by many in his community. However, his political ambitions and open defiance of the Church hierarchy make him a target for retaliation. Meanwhile, a group of nuns in the local convent, led by Sister Jeanne (played by Vanessa Redgrave), are experiencing a series of hallucinations and visions that they believe to be demonic possession.
The Church authorities seize upon the nuns’ claims as an opportunity to finally eliminate Grandier. They accuse him of performing black magic and causing the nuns’ possession, and in a shocking turn of events, Grandier is found guilty and sentenced to death by being burned alive at the stake.
The movie is a disturbing and graphic portrayal of the power dynamics between the Church and the state, as well as the extreme measures taken to maintain religious orthodoxy. It is also a commentary on sexual repression, as the nuns’ visions are often sexual in nature and reflect the fact that they are denied any form of sexual expression in their lives.
The Devils was controversial upon its release, with some critics arguing that it was excessively violent and sacrilegious. However, it has since become a cult classic and is regarded as one of Ken Russell’s most notable works.