Back in 1971, Ken Russell wrote and directed The Devils, a retelling of a 17th century Roman Catholic priest (Oliver Reed) accused of witchcraft by a sexually repressed nun (Vanessa Redgrave). United Artists left the project after reading the script, before Warner Bros took over.
Yet the film’s graphic sex and violence, combined with religious imagery, led to what has become one of the most controversial films ever made being given an X rating in both the UK and the US, with heavy editing. Previously banned by 17 British local councils and in several countries, Russell’s original director’s cut vision has now been restored and remastered in 4K for cinematic release.
WARNING: The trailer below is not for everyone. It also contains flashing lights or patterns that may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro said, “The restoration of the material is like cleaning the Sistine Chapel with saliva. It is insane, the epic size of the film – I mean, I’ve seen it on the big screen in Telluride at a theater – I’ve never seen the movie until I saw this restoration.”
For the US release, the uncensored version of The Devils has received Warner Bros’ first ever NC-17 rating in its 103 years history. Considered a masterpiece by some and blasphemous by others, The Devils hits cinemas on October 30, 2026.
