Is The Devils woke?
Movie · 1971
The Devils has a wokeness score of 2/10, which we rate as Not Woke. No political or woke messaging whatsoever. Focuses entirely on story, characters, fun, or escapism.
Key points
- Focuses on 17th-century political corruption and religious hysteria without modern identity themes.
- Critiques power abuses by church and state in a historical context, not contemporary ideology.
- Employs provocative imagery for dramatic effect rather than pushing social or political agendas.
Wokeness analysis
The Devils (1971), directed by Ken Russell, is a historical drama based on real 17th-century events in Loudun, France, involving political intrigue, religious corruption, and accusations of witchcraft. It centers on the story of Father Urbain Grandier, a charismatic priest who resists Cardinal Richelieu's centralizing power grab, and the hysterical accusations from sexually repressed nun Sister Jeanne. The film explores themes of power abuse, sexual repression, and the weaponization of religion by the state, drawing from Aldous Huxley's book and John Whiting's play. These elements are presented through Russell's flamboyant, provocative style with graphic imagery of exorcisms, orgies, and executions, but serve the historical narrative and critique of institutional corruption rather than any modern progressive agenda. There are no attempts at diversity casting, identity politics, or contemporary social justice messaging; the story remains rooted in its period setting and universal commentary on authority. Released amid 1970s counterculture, its controversies stemmed from blasphemy and explicit content, not ideological indoctrination. The messaging critiques the alliance of church and state for political gain, a timeless theme without forcing progressive narratives on viewers. Overall, the film prioritizes dramatic storytelling, character conflict, and visual excess over any political lecturing aligned with wokeness.
Plot
In 17th-century France, Cardinal Richelieu seeks to consolidate power by demolishing town fortifications and eliminating opposition. Urbain Grandier, a popular but libertine priest governing Loudun, stands in the way. A sexually obsessed and deformed nun, Sister Jeanne, accuses him of witchcraft and demonic possession after her advances are rejected, leading to a show trial orchestrated by Richelieu's agents. The film depicts the ensuing hysteria, exorcisms, torture, and Grandier's execution by burning, exposing the manipulation of faith for political ends. Based on historical events, Aldous Huxley's The Devils of Loudun, and John Whiting's play, it runs 111 minutes and stars Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave.
Analyzed by AI on September 1, 2026