The Devils hits TIFF Ken Russell’s notorious cult classic

Some films are simply artifacts of a time, others are seismic events. Ken Russell’s The Devils is firmly in the latter category—a provocative masterpiece that has spent decades simmering in the cultural subconscious before finally bursting into the mainstream spotlight.

When it first arrived in 1971, the film was anything but easily accessible. It emerged with an X rating and quickly became too much for general audiences in North America. Instead of widespread visibility, it found a niche audience across Europe, where it occasionally aired on French television channels like Bleu Nuit, setting the stage for its enduring cult status.

The film’s notoriety stemmed from its intensely dramatic and provocative subject matter: the trial of a Catholic priest accused of witchcraft by a sexually repressed nun. The performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave were nothing short of astonishing, anchoring a narrative that delves into profoundly uncomfortable truths.

For years, The Devils existed largely through fragmented recollections, battered 35mm prints played in repertory houses, or unofficial restorations circulating on bootleg sites. It was widely viewed as sacrilegious and deliberately extreme, lending it an aura of forbidden knowledge that fueled its legendary status among cinephiles.

But the cinematic world has recently granted this notorious work the respect it deserves. Warner Bros., through its new sub-label Clockwork, successfully released a stunning 4K restoration of Ken Russell’s original director’s cut at the Cannes Film Festival. This monumental achievement has transformed the viewing experience for everyone.

Now, this newly restored version is poised to enter the mainstream with significant fanfare. It has been selected for programming in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Classics section ahead of its official theatrical re-release on October 16.

Seeing a film like The Devils finally receive proper restoration is heartening. While it remains a touchstone for lovers of cult cinema, this revival speaks to the undeniable artistic merit of Russell’s vision. It stands as one of those unforgettable midnight movies that deserve to be rediscovered as a true classic of its era.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most controversial and deeply felt stories are the ones that endure—a potent cinematic experience that continues to stir debate long after the credits roll.