Eye of the Devil, directed by J. Lee Thompson, is an atmospheric Gothic thriller that dives into the shadows of rural France with a sophisticated mix of suspense, mystique, and ritualistic undertones. Adapted from the novel Day of the Arrow by Robin Estridge, the film is a hypnotic journey into the arcane—a chilling portrait of an ancient family curse lurking beneath a veneer of nobility. As the last black-and-white film released by MGM, Eye of the Devil serves as a haunting swan song for monochrome thrillers of its kind, delivering a visually striking experience.

The film’s magnetic pull begins with its stellar cast, headed by Deborah Kerr and David Niven, whose portrayal of a nobleman bound by ancient family duties brings both gravity and dread. Kerr, as the resolute yet vulnerable Catherine de Montfaucon, brings nuanced intensity, grounding the film’s surreal moments with an emotional weight that feels real and human. Niven, always a master of restrained expression, gives one of his most haunting performances, adding a foreboding edge to his noble character.

Rounding out the remarkable ensemble are Donald Pleasence, David Hemmings, and John Le Mesurier, each delivering layered performances that enhance the eerie atmosphere. Pleasence stands out in his role as a creepy village priest, an unsettling presence who is quietly complicit in the town’s disturbing traditions. Hemmings and Sharon Tate, in one of her earliest roles, exude an ethereal quality as brother-and-sister keepers of dark secrets. Tate, especially, captivates with a bewitching mix of innocence and menace that underscores the film’s ominous tone.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its cinematography. Shot in crisp black-and-white, Eye of the Devil takes full advantage of its shadows and contrasts, imbuing each scene with a sense of haunting elegance. The off-kilter tone, aided by this stark visual style, reflects the otherworldly nature of the story and lends the film an unsettling beauty. The rural landscapes and gothic architecture frame the narrative with a sense of isolation and timelessness, allowing audiences to feel as if they, too, are trapped within the same ancient, oppressive traditions as the de Montfaucon family.

The film’s pace may feel unusual, but its deliberate nature only deepens its eerie pull. Eye of the Devil is not a straightforward thriller; it’s a study in atmospheric horror that never rushes to reveal its secrets, instead drawing viewers deeper into its seductive darkness. For anyone who appreciates horror that unnerves through performance, tone, and imagery rather than jump scares, Eye of the Devil is a timeless gem of the genre.

• Saul Muerte