The Devils Advocate Ending Explained, Plot, Where To Watch, Cast And Trailer
by Naveenkumar
Updated Jul 20, 2023
The Devils Advocate
The Devil's Advocate, also marketed as Devil's Advocate, is a gripping 1997 American supernatural horror film skillfully directed by Taylor Hackford. The movie's screenplay was crafted by Jonathan Lemkin and Tony Gilroy, while the stellar cast includes Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, and Charlize Theron.
Drawing inspiration from Andrew Neiderman's eponymous 1990 novel, the film delves into the life of a gifted young lawyer from Florida, played by Reeves, who is offered a lucrative position in a prominent New York City law firm. However, as his wife, portrayed by Theron, starts experiencing haunting visions, the lawyer gradually unravels the unsettling truth that the firm's enigmatic owner, played by Pacino, is not merely a man but is, in fact, the embodiment of the Devil.
Pacino's character cleverly disguises himself as a human lawyer bearing the name of the renowned author of Paradise Lost, John Milton. Throughout the narrative, the film deftly weaves allusions to Milton's epic, Dante Alighieri's Inferno, and the legendary tale of Faust. The project to adapt Neiderman's novel encountered numerous obstacles during the 1990s, leading it into a period of development difficulties until Hackford eventually took control of the production.
The team carried out filming in various locations, primarily in New York City and Florida, to create an immersive and visually captivating experience for the audience.
Upon its release, The Devil's Advocate garnered mixed reviews from critics. Nevertheless, it was highly praised for its entertainment value and Pacino's exceptional performance. The movie proved to be a commercial success, grossing over $153 million at the box office and even securing the prestigious Saturn Award for Best Horror Film. However, it faced legal troubles as it became the subject of the copyright lawsuit Hart v. Warner Bros., Inc. due to certain aspects of its visual art.
Overall, The Devil's Advocate stands as an intriguing and thought-provoking film that skillfully blends elements of horror, the supernatural, and legal drama. Its memorable performances, thematic depth, and artistic execution have solidified its place as a noteworthy entry in the genre and the wider world of cinema.
The Devils Advocate Ending Explained
As the scene rewinds back to the bathroom, Kevin finds himself startled and overwhelmed by his own reflection. He has just had a chilling and disturbing vision, a manifestation of his own inner demons. This moment serves as a metaphor for Kevin's fear of acknowledging the darker aspects of his personality, and the potential for evil within him.
From this point on, everything that unfolds after the bathroom scene becomes a symbolic representation of this internal struggle. As the plot progresses, Kevin comes to a crucial realization that his actions, particularly defending a client accused of child molestation, are morally wrong. Despite being a talented lawyer, he decides to take a stand and refuses to defend the reprehensible client, even if it means losing the case.
This act of defiance marks a significant turning point for Kevin, showcasing his capacity to reject evil. However, the story doesn't end there. Later on, when a reporter approaches him with the promise of making him a star through an interview, Kevin faces another temptation. The desire for fame and recognition awakens his vanity once more, and he succumbs to the allure of the spotlight.
The reporter's transformation into John, and his quote "Vanity, Definitely my favorite sin," symbolizes the presence of an evil force that feeds on people's weaknesses and desires. John represents the devil-like figure who thrives on seeing malevolence and darkness spread in the world. Despite Kevin's initial act of standing up against evil, he finds himself unable to resist the lure of vanity, which remains an integral part of his core nature.
In this narrative, Kevin's character embodies the complexities of human nature, with the potential for both good and evil residing within him. His inner battle between acknowledging and rejecting this darkness is a central theme, showcasing the constant struggle to resist temptation and stay true to one's principles.
Overall, this powerful portrayal of Kevin's internal conflict, represented through metaphor and symbolism, adds depth and richness to the narrative. It highlights the timeless struggle between light and darkness that exists within every individual, making the story thought-provoking and relatable to the audience.
The Devils Advocate Plot
In the film, Kevin Lomax is a successful defense attorney from Gainesville, Florida, known for never losing a case. During one particularly troubling trial, where he defends a guilty schoolteacher named Lloyd Gettys against child molestation charges, Kevin resorts to aggressive tactics to secure a "not guilty" verdict, despite knowing the truth.
After a successful jury selection in New York City, Kevin is offered a lucrative position by the head of a prominent law firm, John Milton. He accepts the offer, and he and his wife, Mary Ann, relocate to Manhattan. However, Kevin becomes consumed with his work, causing a rift in his relationship with Mary Ann. She starts experiencing disturbing visions and nightmares, feeling increasingly isolated in the process.
As Kevin handles a high-profile murder case involving billionaire Alex Cullen, his commitment to work further alienates him from Mary Ann. She pleads with him to return home, but he prioritizes the trial over her emotional well-being. As pressure mounts, Kevin discovers dark secrets within the firm and becomes involved in unethical practices.
Despite being warned about Milton's corrupt nature, Kevin continues to defend his client, Alex Cullen, even suspecting the man's guilt. Mary Ann's mental state deteriorates, leading to a tragic and unsettling outcome. Eventually, it is revealed that Milton is not just a powerful man but is, in fact, Satan himself, manipulating events and tempting Kevin to embrace vanity and evil.
In a dramatic twist, Kevin experiences a vision of the future, showing the dire consequences of his choices. He gets a chance to change his actions during the Gettys trial, and he decides to refuse to represent the guilty client, no matter the consequences. This decision alters the course of events, sparing Mary Ann's life, and prompting a reporter to offer Kevin a chance at fame, echoing the temptation from before.
The film concludes with Milton, now revealed as Satan, acknowledging his fondness for vanity. This powerful narrative explores the themes of good and evil, temptation, and the importance of moral choices in the face of darkness.
The Devils Advocate Where to Watch?
The Devil's Advocate is available for purchase on Google Play Movies and YouTube, providing viewers with the option to own a digital copy of the film. Alternatively, those interested in a temporary viewing experience can rent the movie on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Hungama Play, making it accessible for a specific period.
By offering the film on various online platforms, movie enthusiasts can conveniently choose their preferred streaming service to access The Devil's Advocate from the comfort of their homes. Google Play Movies and YouTube provide the option of owning the movie permanently, allowing viewers to watch it multiple times at their convenience, without any time limitations.
For those who prefer a more flexible viewing arrangement, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Hungama Play offer rental options. Renting the movie allows viewers to watch it during a specific timeframe, typically ranging from 24 to 48 hours, making it suitable for a one-time viewing or a movie night with friends or family.
With these digital streaming options, The Devil's Advocate becomes readily available to a wider audience, ensuring that fans of supernatural horror and compelling storytelling can easily enjoy this gripping film.
The Devils Advocate Cast
Actor
Character
Keanu Reeves
Kevin Lomax
Al Pacino
John Milton / Satan
Charlize Theron
Mary Ann Lomax
Jeffrey Jones
Eddie Barzoon
Judith Ivey
Alice Lomax
Connie Nielsen
Christabella Andreoli
Craig T. Nelson
Alexander Cullen
Heather Matarazzo
Barbara
Tamara Tunie
Jackie Heath
Murphy Guyer
Barbara's Father
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Leamon Heath
Michael Lombard
Judge Poe
Debra Monk
Pam Garrety
Vyto Ruginis
Mitch Weaver, Justice Department
Laura Harrington
Melissa Black
Pamela Gray
Diana Barzoon
M.B. Ghaffari
Bashir Toabal
George Wyner
Meisel
Neal Jones
Larry, a Florida reporter
Don King
Himself
Roy Jones Jr.
He (uncredited)
Delroy Lindo
Phillipe Moyez (uncredited)
Chris Bauer
Lloyd Gettys
Monica Keena
Alessandra Cullen
Senator Al D'Amato
Himself
Harsh Nayyar
Parvathi Resh
The Devils Advocate Trailer
The Devils Advocate Ending Explained-FAQs
The plot revolves around Kevin Lomax, a skilled defense attorney, who takes on a morally troubling case, defending a guilty schoolteacher accused of child molestation. He receives a job offer from a prestigious New York City law firm owned by John Milton, a cleverly disguised embodiment of the Devil.
The screenplay for "The Devil's Advocate" was inspired by Andrew Neiderman's 1990 novel of the same name.
The main cast includes:
- Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax
- Al Pacino as John Milton / Satan
- Charlize Theron as Mary Ann Lomax
"The Devil's Advocate" is available for purchase on Google Play Movies and YouTube, where you can own a digital copy of the film. Additionally, you can rent the movie on platforms such as Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Hungama Play for a time-limited viewing experience.
The film "The Devil's Advocate" was directed by Taylor Hackford.