The Little Devil

During a routine assignment at a Rome seminary, a priest is asked to perform what appears to be a straightforward exorcism on someone believed to be possessed. The alleged demon arrives not as a fearsome force but as a lively, mischievous presence that disrupts the orderly life of the residential college. The encounter unsettles the priest who finds that the visitor defies the usual tropes of evil and seems bent on playful mischief rather than menace. As days pass, the two occupy each other's space in a strange comic sparring match that challenges the boundaries between sacred duty and human desire. The result is a bright, humorous collision of belief and appetite that nudges everyone toward questioning faith, authority, and what sanctuary truly means. The tone stays light and mischievous, even as it nudges viewers to think about faith in everyday life.

Released in 1988, The Little Devil was directed by Roberto Benigni with a screenplay by Giuseppe Bertolucci and Vincenzo Cerami. The film blends fantasy with humor while tracking a priest's uneasy encounter with temptation and comic disruption. The production uses bright color and brisk pacing to emphasize the comic clash.

Box office figures for this title are not widely reported, reflecting modest earnings and a limited international release. It sits as a charming Italian comedy rather than a blockbuster, appreciated mainly by fans of Benigni's early work. The cast includes memorable performances that anchor the light tone.

Cultural impact is modest but real for fans who remember Benigni's breezy energy and his use of a supernatural premise to loosen religious strictures. The film helped shape a growing style in late 80s Italian comedy that mixed whimsy, social bite, and performance. Its light touch helped pave the way for Benigni's later international success.

Reception centers on how the film balances faith and whimsy, inviting viewers to consider how ritual authority can coexist with human longing. It uses exorcism as a setup for character growth rather than pure fright, relying on timing, dialogue and visual gags to keep the mood light while probing questions about belief. Viewers often appreciate the warm humor that never sidelines the human questions at the heart of the story.