Is Flying Devils Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Flying Devils is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Flying Devils Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, Flying Devils emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A family of aerialists decides to go after the $250,000 prize being offered to any group that can execute a complicated trapeze maneuver. Unlike standard genre fare, Flying Devils attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Anders Refn, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Flying Devils features a noteworthy lineup led by Karmen Atias. Supported by the likes of Senta Berger and Warren Clarke, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Karmen Atias, Senta Berger, Warren Clarke manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1985 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Flying Devils is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Flying Devils follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 115 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Flying Devils resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Flying Devils is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. A family of aerialists decides to go after the $250,000 prize being offered to any group that can execute a complicated trapeze maneuver. However, personal dramas and financial difficulties soon threaten to overtake the flyers' pursuit of the elusive quadruple somersault. The film received a Robert Award as the best Danish film of 1985.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Flying Devils (1985) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Karmen Atias, Senta Berger, Warren Clarke or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Flying Devils is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1985. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Flying Devils Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
Philo🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
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YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Flying Devils has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.3/10, and global collection metrics, Flying Devils stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flying Devils movie hit or flop?
Flying Devils has received mixed reviews with a 5.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Flying Devils worth watching?
Flying Devils is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Flying Devils online?
Flying Devils is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Philo depending on your region.
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Synopsis
A family of aerialists decides to go after the $250,000 prize being offered to any group that can execute a complicated trapeze maneuver. However, personal dramas and financial difficulties soon threaten to overtake the flyers' pursuit of the elusive quadruple somersault. The film received a Robert Award as the best Danish film of 1985.