Quills (2000)
Kernel Score: 79% · 704 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Drama
Released: 2000-11-22
Runtime: 124 minutes
Where to watch Quills
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free with ads: Hoopla
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
In early 19th-century France, the Marquis de Sade is confined to an asylum where his forbidden writings continue to circulate beyond its walls. As the authorities tighten control, a clash unfolds between the Marquis’ unyielding imagination, the reformist ideals of the Abbé in charge, and the repressive measures of a doctor sent to silence him. Desire, power, and censorship collide in a battle over freedom of expression.
Quills parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Quills is an R-rated drama about the Marquis de Sade's forbidden erotic writings and his clash with authorities in an asylum.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Rated R; centers on the Marquis de Sade's erotic novel-writing and forbidden content, with an erotic asylum setting.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Quills
If you liked Quills, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006) — 85%
- The Tenant (1976) — 87%
- Splendor in the Grass (1961) — 83%
- La Traversée de Paris (1956) — 82%
- Les Misérables (1998) — 80%
- Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (2021) — 82%
- Stuart: A Life Backwards (2007) — 83%
- War Dogs (2016) — 76%
Director
Cast
- Geoffrey Rush as Marquis de Sade
- Kate Winslet as Madeleine LeClerc
- Joaquin Phoenix as Abbe du Coulmier
- Michael Caine as Dr. Royer-Collard
- Billie Whitelaw as Madame LeClerc
- Patrick Malahide as Delbené
- Amelia Warner as Simone
- Jane Menelaus as Renee Pelagie
- Stephen Moyer as Prouix
- Tony Pritchard as Valcour
Quills FAQ
Is Quills good?
Quills has a 79% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 704 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Quills?
In the US you can stream Quills on Prime Video, watch it free with ads on Hoopla and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Quills OK for kids?
Quills is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Quills is an R-rated drama about the Marquis de Sade's forbidden erotic writings and his clash with authorities in an asylum.
What movies are like Quills?
If you liked Quills, try Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, The Tenant, Splendor in the Grass and La Traversée de Paris.