When the Devil Holds the Candle Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: When the Devil Holds the Candle
| Movie | When the Devil Holds the Candle |
| Release Year | 2002 |
| Director | Eva Isaksen |
| Genre | Drama / Crime / Thriller |
| Runtime | 159 minutes (2h 39m) |
| Language | NO |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is When the Devil Holds the Candle (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in When the Devil Holds the Candle are led by Bjørn Sundquist . The supporting cast, including Christian Skolmen and Jorunn Kjellsby , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
When the Devil Holds the Candle stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, When the Devil Holds the Candle has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: When the Devil Holds the Candle
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2002, When the Devil Holds the Candle is a Drama, Crime, Thriller film directed by Eva Isaksen, written by Åse Vikene. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bjørn Sundquist as Konrad Sejer.
Ending Explained: When the Devil Holds the Candle
When the Devil Holds the Candle Ending Explained: Directed by Eva Isaksen, When the Devil Holds the Candle delivers a satisfying and emotionally impactful resolution. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Bjørn Sundquist. Many viewers have praised the way the narrative builds toward its final moments.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of When the Devil Holds the Candle leave a lasting impression and strengthen the overall impact of the story.
When the Devil Holds the Candle Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is When the Devil Holds the Candle Based on a True Story?
When the Devil Holds the Candle draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. As a drama, crime, thriller film directed by Eva Isaksen, the production explores how real events can be adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: When the Devil Holds the Candle successfully adapts real-world inspiration into a compelling cinematic story. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch When the Devil Holds the Candle?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Be prepared for a long sit at 2h 39m.
When the Devil Holds the Candle Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about When the Devil Holds the Candle age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of When the Devil Holds the Candle (2002) is 159 minutes (2h 39m). Directed by Eva Isaksen, the film runs for 159 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, When the Devil Holds the Candle is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When the Devil Holds the Candle worth watching?
When the Devil Holds the Candle is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find When the Devil Holds the Candle parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for When the Devil Holds the Candle identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of When the Devil Holds the Candle (2002)?
The runtime of When the Devil Holds the Candle (2002) is 159 minutes (approximately 2h 39m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
