The Devil on Trial

2023

1 hr. 21 min.

Crime

Documentary

Horror

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36%

14 Reviews

Tomatometer

48%

50+ Ratings

Audience Score

The Devil on Trial explores the first -- and only -- time "demonic possession" has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.

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Netflix

Watch The Devil on Trial with a subscription on Netflix.

matthias s

"The Devil on Trial" certainly puts the 'mock' in mockumentary. While it promises to delve into the eerie world of demonic possession and a shocking murder, it falls flat on its face. The film seems more like a hastily assembled collection of reenactments and home videos rather than a true documentary. The only thing truly possessed in this production is a lack of depth. I was hoping for some profound insights or new revelations, but it felt like a rehashed storyline we've seen in countless horror movies, including "The Conjuring 3." In fact, it seems like "The Devil on Trial" could be a direct sequel to that film with its eerie reenactments. While the concept is intriguing, the execution is lacking, leaving you with the feeling that you've wasted your time. It's a devil of a disappointment, making you wonder if the devil made them do it, but it should be put on trial for masquerading as a documentary.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/15/23

Full Review

Jerod S

Documentary gives some background into the disagreements about what happened as far as the family was concerned. But if you're looking for proof of possession - you won't find it here.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

Full Review

Claire F

I thought it was quite interesting. Curious true tale.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/29/23

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Misty G

Sadly this movie was more of a documentary to mock the Warrens and not what it was supposed to be about. I was hoping for a little more detail about the house from the Warren's prospective. Not worth it.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/27/23

Full Review

John R

Bit mad. The Warrens were SO dodgy

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/26/23

Full Review

Valeria M

Se cercate brividi e "prove dell'esistenza del demonio" non perdete tempo a guardare questo documentario che testimonia una dolorosa catena di relazioni disfunzionali, per me più terrificante di qualsiasi fenomeno soprannaturale!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/24/23

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Christopher Holt

Director

Christopher Holt

Screenwriter

Hattie Bridges Webb

Producer

Julia Nottingham

Executive Producer

Sam Starbuck

Executive Producer

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The Devil on Trial: Trailer

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Calum Marsh

New York Times

Instead of challenging assumptions, exploring implications or discussing the difficult questions here, Holt merely mines the material for superficial shock value and lurid titillation.

Oct 18, 2023

Full Review

Nick Schager

The Daily Beast

Like everything about this saga, lucid and verifiable specifics are in short supply.

Oct 17, 2023

Full Review

Savina Petkova

A Good Movie To Watch

It has all the right ingredients: a true story, some convincing re-enactments, the air of exclusivity (use of real archives), but it still feels like a let-down to the true horror buffs who'd tune in expecting something fresh.

Rated: 6/10

Oct 31, 2023

Full Review

Tatat Bunnag

Bangkok Post

The film presents both sides of the argument, catering to true believers and utter sceptics alike... This balanced approach ensures the documentary is not just a passive viewing experience, but a thought-provoking one.

Oct 27, 2023

Full Review

Sabrina McFarland

Common Sense Media

Director Christopher Holt's haunting documentary about the role of spiritual demons in the lives of people is worth a watch.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 26, 2023

Full Review

Lee Zumpe

Tampa Bay Newspapers

Holt’s approach skews toward sensationalistic, occult-saturated exploitation.

Oct 26, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

The Devil on Trial explores the first -- and only -- time "demonic possession" has officially been used as a defense in a US murder trial. Including firsthand accounts of alleged devil possession and a shocking murder, this extraordinary story forces reflection on our fear of the unknown.

Director: Christopher Holt
Executive Producer: Julia Nottingham, Sam Starbuck
Screenwriter: Christopher Holt
Distributor: Netflix
Genre: Crime, Documentary, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 17, 2023

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