You are here:

Cross of the Devil

Name: Cross of the Devil
Director: John Gilling
Released: 1975
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

0.4/10

Minimal

1975

Director

John Gilling

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Cross of the Devil is a traditional folk-horror film that emphasizes atmospheric tension and theological conflict over social complexity. It sticks closely to the established cinematic norms of the mid-1970s, focusing on genre clichés rather than identity-driven narratives. The film offers little depth in terms of diversity, with no representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or people with disabilities. Its approach to gender and race is based on the demographic norms of its time and setting, reinforcing traditional social structures without challenging them. Overall, the work stands as a typical example of mid-century European horror, relying on well-established moral contrasts and historical archetypes to propel its supernatural storyline.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Cross of the Devil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight identities. It stays within a traditional framework that avoids any queer subtext or identity-focused storylines.

How does Cross of the Devil portray gender?

Limited

Female characters mainly serve as vulnerable figures or catalysts for the main conflict. The film upholds traditional gender hierarchies and does not give female characters a significant role in driving the story or challenge male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cross of the Devil?

Minimal

The cast is mostly made up of people from similar backgrounds, reflecting the historical setting and production standards of the 1970s. The story does not showcase a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds.

How does Cross of the Devil represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story revolves around a moral contrast between religious authority and supernatural forces. It uses religious symbols and superstitions as key elements without questioning Western institutions.

Does Cross of the Devil include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or hidden disabilities portrayed in the film. Characters are defined by their roles in the supernatural conflict rather than by physical or neurodivergent traits.

Present on Screen

The film effectively uses traditional religious symbols and theological tension to create its folk-horror atmosphere.
It follows established genre conventions that provide a consistent, atmospheric experience for classic horror fans.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks diverse representation, especially concerning LGBTQ+ identities and disability.
Female characters are confined to roles of vulnerability, lacking significant influence or power.
The cast is ethnically uniform, failing to represent a diverse array of backgrounds.

Official Synopsis

A British novelist travels to Spain to visit his sister. However, when he arrives he discovers that she has been murdered by a gang of devil-worshiping bandits called the Devil's Cross.

How are these scores produced? →