The Devil's Eye (1960)

The Devil’s Eye is one of those sly, underrated Bergman delights that wears a mischievous grin while quietly asking serious questions about love, temptation, and what it means to be “pure.” It plays like a sophisticated supernatural comedy—witty and clever in its dialogue, playful in its tone—yet it never feels weightless, because the emotions underneath keep sharpening the humor into something richer. The film’s real hook is watching its devilish premise turn unexpectedly tender, as the story finds surprising humanity in the middle of its flirtations and farce. If you’re expecting the heavy solemnity people associate with Bergman, this lighter, more impish mood may surprise you—in the best way—but if you enjoy smart, charming moral comedies with a touch of fantasy, it’s an easy recommendation.

The Devil’s Eye is Bergman trying to bottle a sly, metaphysical sex comedy—temptation, guilt, and love turned into a fable with witty intentions and a devilish premise. The problem is it often plays more like a talky philosophical sketch than a comedy, with a slow start and a tone that can feel oddly serious when you’re waiting for it to be sharper or funnier. If you want Bergman at his most emotionally devastating or visually spellbinding, this may register as a minor detour rather than a must-see. But if you’re patient with cerebral dialogue and enjoy the idea of moral questions dressed up as a romantic fantasy, there’s enough charm and curiosity here to justify the ride.