The Devil’s in the details, so always check the small print.

The Devil’s Advocate is a film that straddles the line between legal thriller and supernatural horror with devilish glee, offering a compelling, stylish, and surprisingly thought-provoking ride. At the heart of this Faustian thriller is a brilliant trifecta of performances from Keanu Reeves, Charlize Theron, and a gloriously unhinged Al Pacino, whose larger-than-life presence elevates the film to a whole new level.

Keanu Reeves stars as Kevin Lomax, a hotshot Florida defence attorney who has never lost a case—a fact that catches the attention of New York’s most powerful (and most sinister) law firm, headed by John Milton (Pacino). The first half of the film plays out like a slick courtroom drama, with Lomax revelling in his newfound success, but there’s a constant, lurking sense of something darker. The legal victories come too easily, the moral compromises too frequently, and the price of success, we soon discover, is far higher than Kevin ever anticipated.

Pacino, as Milton, is the absolute scene-stealer here. He delivers a performance that’s equal parts devilish charm and volcanic intensity, embodying the role of Satan with an air of casual, gleeful malevolence. His grand, fiery monologues are mesmerizing, particularly during the film’s climactic moments, where he chews up the scenery with abandon. There’s a wicked sense of fun to Pacino’s performance, and his chemistry with Reeves turns what could have been a simple morality tale into something more compelling.

Charlize Theron, meanwhile, brings emotional depth to the film as Kevin’s wife, Mary Ann, whose slow psychological unravelling adds a tragic, human layer to the story. As Kevin’s ambition drives him further into Milton’s grasp, Mary Ann becomes isolated, trapped in a gilded cage, and Theron delivers a gut-wrenching portrayal of a woman slowly losing her grip on reality. Her arc gives the film emotional stakes that ground the supernatural elements, making the consequences of Kevin’s choices feel all the more devastating.

What makes The Devil’s Advocate particularly seductive is how it mixes genres so effortlessly. It begins as a sleek legal drama, with all the trappings of power, ambition, and moral ambiguity that come with the territory. However, as the story unfolds, it morphs into something far more sinister. The supernatural elements creep in subtly at first, but as the film nears its explosive finale, they take centre stage, giving way to a darkly philosophical exploration of free will, temptation, and the seductive nature of power.

Director Taylor Hackford builds the tension masterfully, balancing the sleek, corporate coldness of the law firm with the unsettling, otherworldly undertones that grow more pronounced as Kevin sinks deeper into Milton’s world. The visuals, particularly the gothic touches in the design of Milton’s office and the ethereal sheen of the New York skyline, help create an atmosphere that feels both seductive and threatening—an apt reflection of the moral descent Kevin experiences.

While The Devil’s Advocate may have a grand, almost operatic flair, it’s the way it digs into deeper themes that gives it staying power. The film wrestles with the nature of free will, the price of ambition, and the corrosive effect of unchecked power. Milton’s chilling line, “Vanity is definitely my favourite sin,” encapsulates the film’s core message: that the greatest temptation isn’t evil for evil’s sake, but the allure of success, power, and ego unchecked. It’s a cautionary tale about the costs of ambition and how easily we can be led astray when we believe ourselves to be invincible.

Ultimately, The Devil’s Advocate is an underappreciated gem that blends its genres seamlessly, delivering both thrills and food for thought. With its stellar performances—especially from Pacino—sharp writing, and atmospheric direction, it offers a devilishly good time for fans of both legal dramas and supernatural thrillers. It may lean into excess at times, but that’s part of its charm.

devil's advocate review
Score 8/10


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