The Devil, Probably
A young Parisian’s rejection of politics, religion, and psychoanalysis hardens into an austere existential crisis with devastating consequences.
Overview
A young man's disillusionment with society leads him down a dark path of despair.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- bleak
- contemplative
- austere
- serious film study
- quiet introspective viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard Bresson’s austere, stylized treatment of suicidal alienation and social decline as powerful, philosophically serious, and formally distinctive.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Charles moves through politics, religion, and psychoanalysis while rejecting each as an adequate response to social and existential crisis.
Charles’s decision emerges from his perception of moral and physical decline in the society around him.
The film’s stylized presentation has been described as resembling a medieval illumination, emphasizing austere composition and emblematic figures.
Charles concludes that suicide is his only option, making his interactions and intellectual searching carry an ominous foreknowledge.
Films like The Devil, Probably, and why
The 400 Blows
shared austere arthouse style, existential despair, and alienated youth confronting social collapse
Oslo, August 31st
shared philosophical drama, disaffected young protagonists, and bleak examination of suicide and modern society
Au Hasard Balthazar
shared minimalist formalism, spiritual crisis, and psychologically tormented young characters
The Third Generation
shared radical pessimism, alienated youth culture, and austere European modernism
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Bresson
- Release Date
- 1977-06-15
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (134)
Cast
- Antoine Monnier
- Tina Irissari
- Henri de Maublanc
- Laetitia Carcano
- Nicolas Deguy
- Régis Hanrion
- Geoffroy Gaussen
- Roger Honorat
- Vincent Cottrel
- Laurence Delannoy
Common questions
- What is The Devil, Probably about?
- A young Parisian’s rejection of politics, religion, and psychoanalysis hardens into an austere existential crisis with devastating consequences.
- What is The Devil, Probably like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Devil, Probably as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Devil, Probably violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Devil, Probably as mild.
- What did critics think of The Devil, Probably?
- Critics broadly regard Bresson’s austere, stylized treatment of suicidal alienation and social decline as powerful, philosophically serious, and formally distinctive.
- Which films are like The Devil, Probably?
- Films with a similar feel include The 400 Blows, Oslo, August 31st, Au Hasard Balthazar, and The Third Generation.
- How long is The Devil, Probably?
- The Devil, Probably runs 97 minutes.
