You are here:

Mr. Devil

Name: Mr. Devil
Director: Pupi Avati
Released: 2019
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2019

Director

Pupi Avati

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mr. Devil is a period-specific psychological horror that prioritizes atmospheric tension and folklore over modern diversity. The film leans into the demographic and social constraints of mid-century Italy, focusing on regional identity and the breakdown of social order. The narrative's strength lies in its potential to challenge traditional religious and legal frameworks. However, it remains limited by its historical setting, which lacks diversity in terms of race, gender roles, and LGBTQ+ identities. It functions as a traditional folk horror rather than a vehicle for contemporary identity politics.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Mr. Devil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. Set in a 1950s rural environment, the story follows the social structures typical of that time.

How does Mr. Devil portray gender?

Fair

The plot is driven primarily by male characters, such as a government official and a young boy. Female characters are present but do not play a significant role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Mr. Devil?

Limited

The setting reflects the homogeneous demographics of 1950s rural Italy. The narrative focuses on regional folk horror without exploring multicultural or diverse backgrounds.

How does Mr. Devil represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story challenges religious beliefs by centering on a child's struggle against a supernatural entity. It examines the tension between state authority and local superstitions.

Does Mr. Devil include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Offers nuanced cultural commentary by challenging traditional religious and legal frameworks.
Explores complex psychological tensions between institutional order and local superstition.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Features a limited range of racial and ethnic diversity due to its historical setting.
The primary plot drivers are male, suggesting a traditional gendered hierarchy.

Official Synopsis

In 1950s Italy, a government official arrives in a rural town to investigate a grisly child murder. The culprit is a young boy who claims he acted in order to kill the Devil itself.

How are these scores produced? →