The Devilโs Advocate (1997) โ A Sinister Blend of Legal Drama and Supernatural Horror
Directed by Taylor Hackford, The Devilโs Advocate is a psychological thriller that masterfully combines courtroom drama with supernatural horror. The film follows Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), a highly skilled defense attorney from Florida who has never lost a case. His talent catches the attention of a prestigious New York law firm led by the charismatic and mysterious John Milton (Al Pacino). Kevin eagerly accepts the high-paying job, but as he becomes entangled in the firmโs elite and morally corrupt world, he realizes thereโs something deeply sinister about his new employer.
Plot Summary
Kevin Lomax is known for his ability to defend even the most guilty clients. His latest case involves a teacher accused of molesting a student, and despite knowing his client is guilty, Kevin secures an acquittal. Soon after, he is approached by a New York law firm offering him an all-expenses-paid trip and a lucrative job opportunity. His wife, Mary Ann (Charlize Theron), is thrilled about their sudden rise to wealth and status, and they move into a lavish Manhattan apartment.
At the firm, Kevin takes on high-profile cases, but he gradually notices disturbing thingsโhis colleagues behave strangely, and his boss, John Milton, seems to possess an almost supernatural influence over people. As Kevin works longer hours, Mary Ann begins experiencing horrifying visions and paranoia, leading her to believe that something evil is at play.
As the film progresses, Kevin becomes more deeply immersed in Miltonโs world. He defends billionaire Alexander Cullen (Craig T. Nelson), accused of a triple murder, and his moral compass begins to erode. Meanwhile, Mary Annโs psychological state deteriorates, and she ultimately dies by suicide after claiming Milton manipulated her.
In a shocking twist, Milton reveals his true identityโhe is Satan himself. He has been orchestrating Kevinโs rise to power, hoping he will father the Antichrist with his half-sister, Christabella (Connie Nielsen). Miltonโs grand speech about free will, power, and temptation is one of the filmโs most iconic moments, with Al Pacino delivering a fiery, unforgettable performance.
Kevin, faced with the horrifying truth, rejects his fate and takes his own life, seemingly resetting the timeline. He finds himself back in the courtroom at the beginning of the film, given a second chance. However, in the closing moments, Milton reappears in disguise, hinting that temptation is inevitable, and the cycle may repeat.
Themes & Symbolism
- Temptation & Free Will โ Kevinโs rise and fall mirror the biblical story of temptation, as he chooses ambition over morality.
- Vanity & Pride โ Milton claims vanity is his favorite sin, manipulating Kevin through his arrogance and desire for success.
- Religious Allegory โ The film draws heavily from Christian theology, portraying Milton as a modern-day Lucifer offering worldly power in exchange for a soul.
Performances & Direction
- Al Pacino delivers a mesmerizing, over-the-top performance as John Milton, balancing charm, menace, and dark humor.
- Keanu Reeves portrays Kevinโs internal struggle convincingly, though his Southern accent is inconsistent.
- Charlize Theron gives a standout performance, making Mary Annโs descent into madness deeply unsettling.
Final Thoughts
A gripping, stylish thriller, The Devilโs Advocate mixes legal drama with supernatural horror, delivering unforgettable performances and a thought-provoking message about ambition and morality. The eerie atmosphere, intense courtroom scenes, and Miltonโs fiery monologues make it a standout in the genre. A must-watch for fans of psychological horror and dark thrillers. ๐๐ฅโ๏ธ
