Is The Devil at Your Heels Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Devil at Your Heels is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Devil at Your Heels Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, The Devil at Your Heels emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Devil at Your Heels, traces the trials of stuntman Ken Carter who attempts a death-defying aerial jump in a car. Unlike standard genre fare, The Devil at Your Heels 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 Robert Fortier, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Devil at Your Heels features a noteworthy lineup led by Gordon Pinsent. Supported by the likes of Ken Carter and Evel Knievel, 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 Gordon Pinsent, Ken Carter, Evel Knievel manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1981 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Devil at Your Heels 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 The Devil at Your Heels follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 103 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, The Devil at Your Heels resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary 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 5.8/10 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, The Devil at Your Heels is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Devil at Your Heels, traces the trials of stuntman Ken Carter who attempts a death-defying aerial jump in a car. Not content with a normal jump, Ken Carter attempts a jump from Canada to the USA. This feature-length documentary shines a light on the intense preparation that led to Carter’s first attempt to jump a car across a mile-wide stretch of the St. Lawrence River – a 5-year period during which the dare-devil raised a million dollars, erected a 10-storey take-off ramp and built a rocket-powered car. Winner of the Canadian Screen Award for Best Feature Length Documentary at the 4th Genie Awards in 1983.
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 The Devil at Your Heels (1981) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.8/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Gordon Pinsent, Ken Carter, Evel Knievel or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Devil at Your Heels is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1981. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
The Devil at Your Heels Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $300,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Devil at Your Heels Budget
The estimated production budget for The Devil at Your Heels is $300,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Devil at Your Heels Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Devil at Your Heels is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Devil at Your Heels stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil at Your Heels movie hit or flop?
The Devil at Your Heels has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Devil at Your Heels worth watching?
The Devil at Your Heels is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Documentary movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Devil at Your Heels online?
The Devil at Your Heels may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Devil at Your Heels, traces the trials of stuntman Ken Carter who attempts a death-defying aerial jump in a car. Not content with a normal jump, Ken Carter attempts a jump from Canada to the USA. This feature-length documentary shines a light on the intense preparation that led to Carter’s first attempt to jump a car across a mile-wide stretch of the St. Lawrence River – a 5-year period during which the dare-devil raised a million dollars, erected a 10-storey take-off ramp and built a rocket-powered car. Winner of the Canadian Screen Award for Best Feature Length Documentary at the 4th Genie Awards in 1983.