Classics: A Review of The Devil's Advocate By Lauren Ennis

 "You can't win 'em all" a reporter taunts up and coming attorney Kevin Lomax. What price would you play to win them all? This is the question that lies at the heart of 1993's The Devil's Advocate. Part supernatural thriller, part courtroom drama, and part morality tale, the film raises vital questions that continue to resonate now more with each passing year. This October wrestle with your demons and dance with the devil in The Devil's Advocate.

The story begins with hot-shot Florida attorney Kevin Lomax defending a case. The normally self-assured Kevin finds himself wracked with doubt when he learns that his client is guilty of sexually abuse a young student. Forced to choose between his career and his conscience, he opts to keep the case. After securing a shocking 'not guilty' verdict he is approached with a job offer from a prominent law firm. Tempted by the firm's promises of wealth and prestige he eagerly accepts and moved to New York City with his wife, Mary Anne. All that glitters quickly proves to be less than gold, however, as he is assigned increasingly morally dubious cases and his work schedule begins to take a toll on his marriage. Further complicating matters is Kevin's charismatic boss, the mysterious John Milton. As Kevin's professional star ascends his personal life collapses, forcing him to question just who exactly he is working for an at what cost.

The Devil's Advocate sets itself apart from other supernatural thrillers by taking its protagonist on a descent into hell while acknowledging that the journey is entirely of his own making. Throughout the film, Kevin is provided with opportunities to change course which he consistently rejects. He also refuses the help and advice of those around him, all in pursuit of his professional ambitions. When he finally learns Milton's true identity he insists that his boss coerced and manipulated him. As Milton aptly reminds him, however, Kevin has only himself and his own vanity to blame. Through its depiction of the process of Kevin's corruption, the film explores the notion free will and the cost of ambition. The film also aptly delves into the banality of evil as Kevin doggedly assists his violent, dangerous, and sadistic client's in their efforts to secure freedom all in the name of 'just doing his job'. In this way, the film forces us to confront the moral and ethical dilemmas in our own lives and question if our motives are really as innocent as we think. As a result, even when the plot crosses into supernatural territory the characters and their actions remain unsettlingly grounded in the moral and ethical questions of our own world. Take a look into our own darkness when you play The Devil's Advocate.

The film's star-studded cast bring the story to sinister life. Jeffrey Jones personifies sleaze as Kevin's envious colleague, Eddie. Judith Ivey perfectly captures the torment of Kevin's repentant mother, Alice. Craig T. Nelson aptly conveys the callousness of Kevin's client, murderous billionaire Alex Cullen. Connie Nielson blends sultry with sinister as Kevin's tempting coworker, Christabella. Charlize Theron is nothing short of haunting in her gripping portrayal of Mary Anne's descent into mental illness. Keanu Reeves's portrayal of Kevin's all-consuming ambition is nothing short of chilling. Al Pacino steals each scene in which he appears as the alternatingly charismatic and calculating John Milton.

The Devil's Advocate blends the elements of supernatural thrillers with courtroom drama to relate a brutal modern morality tale. The script serves of plenty of thrills and chills while still raising vital questions surrounding ethics, ambition, and free will. The cast turn in performances that continue to treat viewers to a devilishly good time. This October, take a walk on the dark side with The Devil's Advocate.