American Satan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

College dropouts accidentally sell their souls for rock fame, proving that sometimes the loudest music comes with the sketchiest contract.

🍿 American Satan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Rising from the Underground: The Relentless’s Journey

The film centers on ‘The Relentless,’ a young rock band comprising members from England and the U.S. Ditching college, they move to the vibrant yet unforgiving Sunset Strip in Los Angeles with aspirations of hitting it big. Living hand-to-mouth in a van, their raw talent and burning ambition far outweigh their financial stability, creating fertile ground for desperation.

A Deal with the Devil on the Sunset Strip

While struggling to survive and get noticed, the band encounters Mr. Capricorn, an enigmatic and manipulative figure. Sensing their vulnerability and immense potential, Capricorn offers them a shortcut to fame and fortune. This proposal quickly escalates into a Faustian bargain, where success comes at a terrifying price.

The Price of Fame and Influence

As ‘The Relentless’ accepts Capricorn’s offer, their music explodes in popularity, and their controversial lifestyle grabs headlines. Their influence on society grows beyond anything they imagined, fueled by dark forces and morally compromising choices. The band members grapple with the consequences of their deal, finding themselves entangled in a dangerous web.

Descent into Chaos and Personal Struggles

The band’s rapid rise is accompanied by internal conflict and external pressures. Sex, drugs, and violence become intertwined with their fame, testing their relationships and individual limits. Lead singer Johnny Faust, in particular, faces the weight of the bargain and its impact on his life and loved ones, including his girlfriend Gretchen and mother.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Johnny Faust (Andy Biersack): The ambitious lead singer and protagonist who makes a deal with a mysterious stranger for fame.
• Mr. Capricorn (Malcolm McDowell): The enigmatic stranger who offers the band success in exchange for a Faustian bargain.
• Vic Lakota (Booboo Stewart): A member of the band trying to navigate the dark side of fame alongside his bandmates.
• Leo Donovan (Ben Bruce): A British member of the band pursuing rock and roll dreams on the Sunset Strip.
• Ricky Rollins (John Bradley): A member of the band facing the moral and personal costs of their sudden success.
• Lily Mayflower (Jesse Sullivan): A band member whose relationships within the group are tested by their rise to fame.
• Gretchen (Olivia Culpo): Johnny’s girlfriend who becomes entangled in the consequences of his choices and the band’s success.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hawk: “Shit hits the fan, I’m the fan.” – A memorable, blunt response given by Hawk to Ricky Rollins when asked what he does.
• Mr. Capricorn: “Everybody wants something. Everything has a price.” – Said by Mr. Capricorn to Johnny Faust, subtly introducing the idea of a deal for fame and success.
• Johnny Faust: “We just wanna play our music, man. Make something of ourselves.” – Johnny expresses the band’s core ambition before they fully understand the cost of fame.
• Gretchen: “This isn’t you. This isn’t us.” – Gretchen confronts Johnny as his pursuit of fame and the deal he made begins to change him and their relationship.
• Mr. Capricorn: “You wanted the world, Johnny. Did you really think it came for free?” – Mr. Capricorn reminds Johnny of the consequences of the Faustian bargain after achieving success.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $237,708
• Worldwide Gross: $237,708

💥 American Satan Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into American Satan expecting a straightforward rock and roll horror flick, and it wasn’t quite that, which was a little surprising. It’s more of a dark drama about chasing fame and what you’re willing to give up, wrapped up in a rock band package. What really hooked me was the music and the vibe of the band struggling on the Strip. When The Relentless finally gets on stage, man, that energy is undeniable. I immediately downloaded the soundtrack after watching. Some of the acting felt a bit stiff at times, especially early on, but I actually found myself invested in Johnny’s journey and the chaos that unfolds. It’s definitely not a perfect movie, some parts felt a little rushed or confusing, but I appreciated its willingness to go dark and tackle heavy themes related to the music industry and ambition. If you’re into rock music and don’t mind a film that’s a bit rough around the edges but has heart (or maybe a soul for sale), give it a shot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of rock and metal music”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about the music industry”
  • “Those who enjoy films with supernatural or Faustian themes”
  • “Fans of the cast, including Andy Biersack and Ben Bruce”
  • “Viewers who appreciate independent or dark thriller films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong Language”
  • “Drug Use and Addiction Themes”
  • “Sexual Content / Nudity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature Themes (deals with the devil, dark side of fame)”

Professional Reviews

• Fictional Critic: “American Satan swings wildly between intriguing concept and clunky execution. The core idea of a Faustian bargain in the modern music industry is ripe for exploration, but the narrative often feels scattered and preachy. While the band’s performance scenes are undeniably energetic thanks to a killer soundtrack, the dramatic moments falter, often undermined by wooden dialogue and inconsistent pacing. It’s a film more compelling in theory than in practice, ultimately leaving you wishing for a tighter script and more convincing performances.
• Fictional Critic: “Forget your expectations of a standard horror flick; American Satan is a gritty, stylish dive into the moral compromises chased by aspiring rock stars. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in raw energy and a palpable atmosphere of temptation and excess on the Sunset Strip. The music is fantastic and integral to the film’s pulse. While some performances are uneven, the film captures the seductive danger of chasing fame, especially for fans plugged into the alternative music scene. It’s a thought-provoking indie thriller that sticks with you.

Audience Reactions

The music and concert scenes were a major highlight for many viewers.: Many praised the soundtrack and the performance energy of the fictional band, ‘The Relentless’.

Viewers were divided on the plot and acting quality.: Common criticisms included weak writing, uneven acting, and a plot that felt scattered or predictable to some.

The movie sparked discussion about its themes of fame, morality, and the music industry.: Audiences found the film’s exploration of Faustian deals and the dark side of fame thought-provoking, even if the execution wasn’t universally loved.

It resonated most strongly with fans of rock and alternative music.: Many viewers from the rock/metal community connected with the film’s setting and musical style, overlooking some narrative flaws.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing indie film primarily appealing to rock music fans, praised for its soundtrack and themes of fame and morality, but often criticized for a weak script and inconsistent acting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “While Andy Biersack, who plays lead singer Johnny Faust, is a well-known musician in real life with the band Black Veil Brides, the lead vocals for the songs performed by the fictional band ‘The Relentless’ in the movie were actually provided by Remington Leith, the lead singer of the band Palaye Royale.”

🖥️ How to Watch American Satan?

Released in 2017, ‘American Satan’ explores the dark side of the music industry through a Faustian lens. While its theatrical run was limited, the film is widely available for digital rental or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Check your preferred digital store or streaming service for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed American Satan, you might like these similar films:

• Crossroads (1986): Features a direct deal with the devil for musical talent and success, exploring similar Faustian themes.
• Queen of the Damned (2002): Blends rock music with supernatural elements (vampires instead of the devil), focusing on the power and influence of a rock star.
• Velvet Goldmine (1998): Explores the rise and fall of a fictional glam rock star, delving into the excesses and dark side of the music industry.
• Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): A popular music biopic depicting the rise of a band and the personal struggles, pressures, and temptations faced by its lead singer.
• This Is Spinal Tap (1984): A cult classic mockumentary that hilariously satirizes the world of rock bands, appealing to fans interested in the music industry’s pitfalls, albeit through comedy.

🛒 American Satan Related Products

• American Satan (Blu-ray + Digital): Own the thrilling rock and roll drama that explores the price of fame. Includes the movie on high-definition Blu-ray and a digital copy for streaming.
• American Satan Official Soundtrack: Experience the driving sound of The Relentless and other tracks featured in the film. Available on CD, Vinyl, or Digital MP3.
• The Relentless Band Logo T-Shirt: Show your allegiance to the band from the movie. Features The Relentless logo prominently displayed on a comfortable, high-quality tee.
• Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Paperback): Explore the classic tale that inspired the movie’s central theme. A timeless play about a scholar who makes a deal with the devil.

🎧 Soundtrack

American Satan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Let Him Burn” – performed by The Relentless (Vocals by Remington Leith)
• “Sacrifice” – performed by The Relentless (Vocals by Remington Leith)
• “Down to the Core” – performed by The Relentless (Vocals by Remington Leith)
• “Sunset Hell” – performed by The Relentless (Vocals by Remington Leith)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Andy Biersack On NEW MOVIE ‘American Satan’ + Why He Loves Acting

Want to know what drew Andy Biersack to ‘American Satan’? Check out this interview where he talks about taking on the lead role – it’s really cool to hear his perspective!

American Satan Premiere VLOG | Black Friday

Step onto the red carpet with this premiere vlog! It gives you a fun, fan’s-eye view of the event and you even get to see Andy Biersack – felt like I was almost there!

Johnny Faust | Heaven | American Satan

See why fans connected so much with Andy Biersack’s character, Johnny Faust, in this tribute video. It really shows how his performance resonated with people!

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