The Devil’s Advocate, a supernatural thriller from the late ’90s, has once again captured the spotlight with its recent 4K Blu-ray release. Originally met with mixed reviews, the film has grown into a cult classic, beloved for its audacious storytelling and memorable performances.
Upon its initial release, The Devil’s Advocate garnered a critics’ score of 65% and an audience rating of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics found its 143-minute runtime excessive, the film’s craftsmanship, unique premise, and Al Pacino’s flamboyant performance were widely praised. Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly described it as a “brazenly hokey, in-your-face portrait of evil,” while Variety’s Todd McCarthy noted its “nearly operatic sense of absurdity and excess.”
The Film’s Enduring Appeal
The Devil’s Advocate stands out in the mid-1990s horror landscape, a period when the genre struggled to distinguish itself. Unlike the low-budget slasher films or the more refined horror classics like Rosemary’s Baby or The Omen, this film offered a high-concept thriller with a substantial budget and star power. Directed by Taylor Hackford, known for his work on Dolores Claiborne, the film skillfully blends legal drama, dark satire, and horror elements.
The film’s narrative, which intertwines trashy scares with social critique, remains relevant today. It portrays the legal profession as a playground for Satan, embodied by Pacino’s character, John Milton. The storyline follows Kevin Lomax, played by Keanu Reeves, as he navigates moral dilemmas and supernatural occurrences, culminating in a chilling revelation about his familial ties to Milton.
Performances and Cultural Impact
Keanu Reeves delivers one of his more underrated performances, while Charlize Theron is heartbreaking as his wife, Mary Ann. However, it is Pacino who dominates with his portrayal of Satan, offering a performance that oscillates between subtlety and bombast. His closing monologue, critiquing divine rules, remains iconic.
“Look, but don’t touch… touch, but don’t taste!”
This film may well be a precursor to the “elevated horror” trend that gained traction in the 2010s and 2020s, noted for its combination of horror with deeper social commentary.
The 4K Blu-ray Release
The new 4K UHD release by Shout Factory offers a visually striking upgrade from the original camera negative. While it does not include new features, it retains previously issued deleted and extended scenes, along with commentary from director Taylor Hackford.
One notable exclusion is the original bas-relief sculpture seen behind Milton’s desk, which was replaced following a copyright infringement lawsuit by the Episcopal National Cathedral and sculptor Frederick Hart. The original sculpture, resembling Hart’s “Ex Nihilo,” was replaced via CGI in subsequent releases. Copies from the initial DVD and VHS run, which feature the original sculpture, have become rare collector’s items.
The Legacy of “The Devil’s Advocate”
As The Devil’s Advocate returns to the spotlight, it reminds audiences of its unique place in film history. Its blend of horror, legal drama, and social critique continues to resonate, offering a compelling viewing experience that challenges and entertains.
While a definitive collector’s edition remains elusive, the film’s enduring appeal ensures it remains a staple for fans of supernatural thrillers. Whether revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, The Devil’s Advocate invites viewers to experience its devilish charm once more.
