Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils, a religious period horror starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, is set for a cinematic release of its uncensored director’s cut after 55 years. The film was banned in Finland until 2001 and previously prohibited by 17 British local councils and several other countries.
Film’s controversial history
The film retells the story of a 17th-century Roman Catholic priest, played by Oliver Reed, who is accused of witchcraft by a sexually repressed nun portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave. United Artists left the project after reading the script, before Warner Bros took over. The film’s graphic sex and violence, combined with religious imagery, led to an X rating in both the UK and the US, with heavy editing.
Restoration and release
Russell’s original director’s cut has now been restored and remastered in 4K for cinematic release. For the US release, the uncensored version has received Warner Bros’ first ever NC-17 rating in its 103-year history. 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.”
Considered a masterpiece by some and blasphemous by others, The Devils hits cinemas on October 30, 2026.
