Common Sense Media Review
Brilliant but disgusting slice of grindhouse sleaze.
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The Devil's Rejects
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say the film is incredibly graphic and not suitable for younger audiences, showcasing extreme violence, sexual content, and strong language throughout. Despite its disturbing nature, many viewers appreciate the quality of the acting and cinematography, continuously recognizing it as a significant work in the horror genre.
- graphic content
- extreme violence
- strong language
- adult themes
- quality filmmaking
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Coming immediately after the events of the prequel House of 1000 Corpses, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS follows the cat-and-mouse chase between Sheriff John Quincy Wydell (William Forsythe) and three members of the homicidal Firefly family: Captain Spaulding (Sid Haig), Otis (Bill Moseley), and Baby (Sheri Moon Zombie). Taking off in a stolen car after a shoot-out at the family ranch, the three go on a murderous killing spree in the state of Texas, with Wydell chasing them and interrogating Mother Firefly (Leslie Easterbrook) on their whereabouts. The Fireflys don't let their flight from justice stop them from terrorizing band members shacked up at a nearby motel. Meanwhile, Wydell also calls upon two bounty hunters called the "Unholy Two" (Danny Trejo and Diamond Dallas Page) to help him subdue the family by any means necessary.
Is It Any Good?
There's something to be said for the power of provocation, and Rob Zombie is especially adept at it. With The Devil's Rejects steeped in allusions to past films, from the exploitation and splatter movies of the 1970s to classic slapstick comedies—the Fireflys are named after characters in Marx Brothers movies—Zombie's film feels part and parcel with those cinematic traditions, mixing gore with sick laughs. The visuals ooze '70s style, from the film grain to Zombie's use of classic rock tracks (the needle-drop of "Free Bird" in the film's final standoff is such an effective ender).
At the same time, The Devil's Rejects' release in 2005 makes it feel like one of the purest films about the collective mania America felt in the wake of 9/11—a country forced to witness unimaginable trauma, and a response of equal force. Wydell's lust for violence feels like America at the time, losing its soul against the War on Terror and fighting against villains that, for all their villainy, were created by that same system. The Fireflys, despite their misdeeds, ultimately emerge as some of the most righteous characters in the film due to their familial bond. Yes, they kill, maim, torture, and violate with gleeful abandon. But they also care for one another and even stop in between kills for a nice, gentle moment with some ice cream. Zombie plays with the audience's sympathies there, making even some of the movie's bloodiest moments seem darkly sweet. Sick, twisted, ridiculous? Sure. But it's also hypnotic and effective in all its pent-up rage.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Devil's Rejects. What effect does it have on the audience? Does it shock you? Are there moments where the violence feels darkly comic?
What's the line between hero and villain in such a story, where every character is completely violent and sadistic? How do you feel your sympathies shifting as the film progresses and the Firefly family ends up needing to be saved?
Discuss the surprisingly sweet bonds of the family in the context of the stark violence they commit throughout the film. Are there values that can be gleaned from their love for one another?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 22, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : November 8, 2005
- Cast : Sheri Moon-Zombie , Sid Haig , William Forsythe
- Director : Rob Zombie
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sadistic violence, strong sexual content, language and drug use
- Last updated : October 13, 2025
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