Review of The Doctor and the Devils (1985) by J.p. W — 28 Sep 2007

The highlight of this film is the tremendous acting, with the rare quality of its entire cast being uniformly good (there isn't a weak one in the bunch). Jonathan Pryce is the stand-out as he gives an emotionally-riveting performance as the murderous Fallon, though Stephen Rea is quite effective as well as his accomplice Bloom.

Add in a rich atmosphere and a haunting musical score and you have a rather captivating film. Admittedly, it's substance is rather shallow as the screenplay doesn't fully explore its characters enough, and the direction by Freddie Francis is rather flat despite good production design, but this is one case when the acting elevates the film above its muddled material.

Recommended to fans of period dramas, gothic atmosphere, or good old fashion horror tales.