Ken Russell’s The Devils returns to theaters in 4K director’s cut restoration

A controversial masterpiece returns

Warner Bros. Clockwork has rereleased Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils in a 4K director’s cut restoration, bringing it back to theaters after decades of controversy and scarcity. The film, based on Aldous Huxley’s The Devils of Loudun, is renowned for its provocative mix of satire, horror, and religious critique. Its return has been met with renewed appreciation for its bold storytelling and cinematic artistry.

The film’s restoration has made it accessible to a broader audience, including those who previously had to rely on "horror-collector back channels" to view it, according to Gizmodo. The theatrical run at Chicago’s Music Box Theater was extended by an extra week due to popular demand, underscoring its lasting impact.

Artistry and influence

The Devils is celebrated for its striking visual style, particularly Derek Jarman’s set design, which creates an anachronistic and otherworldly atmosphere. Ken Russell’s direction and framing have drawn comparisons to the cinematography of David Lynch and Akira Kurosawa, while the film’s deep, saturated colors set it apart from contemporary works.

The rerelease has also reignited interest in the film’s lead actors, Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, as well as Ken Russell’s broader filmography. Filmmakers like Robert Eggers have cited Russell as an influence, describing him as a "kindred spirit."

Controversy and critique

The film’s narrative centers on Father Urbain Grandier, a priest accused of witchcraft by Sister Jeanne, a sexually repressed nun. The story critiques religious hypocrisy and institutional corruption, using Grandier’s trial as a lens to expose how outsiders are manufactured as scapegoats.

Scenes of humor and horror intertwine, with Gizmodo likening the film’s tone to "an NC-17 Monty Python film." The final 30 minutes are particularly intense, described as "the most distressing and repulsive climax" since films like Oldboy and I Saw the Devil. The title card, slapped across the faces of King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, implies that "church and state are the real devils at work."

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

The Devils rerelease is more than a revival of a cult classic—it’s a reminder of how provocative storytelling can challenge norms and endure across decades. For founders and operators in the creative and entertainment industries, the film’s journey from controversy to acclaim highlights the risks and rewards of pushing boundaries. Its restoration also signals the growing demand for archival content, particularly works that defy conventional categorization. The renewed interest in Russell’s filmography could inspire similar projects, especially those exploring themes of institutional critique or surrealist aesthetics.

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