The Devil's Advocate (1997)

Taylor Hackford's chilling 1997 supernatural thriller, *The Devil's Advocate*, plunges viewers into a contemporary Faustian bargain where **a hotshot lawyer gets more than he bargained for when he learns his new boss is Lucifer himself.** Keanu Reeves stars as Kevin Lomax, an undefeated Florida defense attorney lured to a prestigious New York City firm run by the charismatic and enigmatic John Milton (Al Pacino). As Lomax's career skyrockets amidst unparalleled luxury and power, he begins to compromise his ethics, ignore his increasingly disturbed wife (Charlize Theron), and slowly uncover the horrifying, infernal truth behind Milton's omnipotence and his firm's unholy influence. The film masterfully builds a sense of dread, juxtaposing sleek legal drama with unsettling psychological horror. This audacious film stands as a highlight in Taylor Hackford's diverse career, showcasing his skill in crafting compelling character studies within high-stakes environments. Hackford expertly navigates the film's genre blend, escalating from a slick legal drama to a gripping psychological thriller and ultimately a supernatural horror, all while maintaining a tight grip on the narrative's moral core. He drew career-defining performances from his lead trio, particularly Al Pacino's iconic, scenery-chewing yet terrifying portrayal of the Devil, and Charlize Theron's deeply sympathetic descent into madness. Hackford's meticulous direction ensures that the opulent, seductive world of Milton's firm feels both alluring and deeply sinister, making *The Devil's Advocate* a potent and unforgettable exploration of ambition, temptation, and the ultimate price of success, cementing its place among his best works.