Avery Davis
Yes, The Devils (1971) is loosely based on the true story of the Loudun possessions in 17th century France. However, the movie takes many artistic liberties and is not considered to be historically accurate.
What is the true story behind the movie The Devils (1971)?
The movie The Devils (1971) is loosely based on the true story of the 17th-century French priest Urbain Grandier, who was accused of sorcery and demonic possession. Grandier was a popular and charismatic priest in the town of Loudun and had attracted many admirers, including several women. He also had many enemies among the local authorities and rival priests who saw him as a threat.
In 1634, the town of Loudun was hit by a wave of mass hysteria and demonic possession. A group of Ursuline nuns claimed to be possessed by demons and accused Grandier of using black magic to seduce them. The accusations were fueled by Grandier’s outspoken opposition to the power of the church and his support for religious tolerance.
Despite protesting his innocence and presenting evidence to the contrary, Grandier was put on trial and found guilty of the charges. He was tortured until he made a false confession and was then burned at the stake in 1634. The trial and execution of Grandier is seen as an example of the religious and political oppression of the time and the dangers of mass hysteria.
The movie The Devils takes many liberties with the true story, including adding elements of sexual perversion and blasphemy that were not present in the historical accounts. Nevertheless, the film is still seen as a powerful critique of corruption and abuse of power in the Catholic Church.
