American Satan

American Satan is a 2017 supernatural musical thriller film directed by Ash Avildsen and written by Avildsen and Matty Beckerman. The film is an extraordinary blend of rock and roll, supernatural elements, and thrilling narratives characterized by the sleek cinematography and stellar performances from an ensemble cast. The movie stars Andy Biersack, Booboo Stewart, and Ben Bruce, among others.

The plot revolves around a rock and roll band called 'The Relentless,' a group of young members who, though they come from the United States, drop out of college and move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams. The lead vocalist is Johnny Faust, portrayed by the charismatic Andy Biersack, an ambitious young man driven by an insatiable desire for success. His bandmate, Vic, played by Booboo Stewart, is also a central character who grapples with his complex feelings toward fame, music, and friendship. On the other hand, British-born guitarist Leo Donovan (Ben Bruce) adds a compelling dynamic to the narrative.

Their journey to stardom starts after moving into an old van on the streets of LA while battling personal differences, love affairs, and the aggressive landscape of the music industry. Just when things seem to worsen, they encounter an enigmatic stranger who seems to offer solutions to their problems. As the story unfolds, the movie begins to explore the relentless pursuit of fame, fortune, and the price one pays to achieve it.

In American Satan, the premise takes an unexpected turn when rock and roll meet supernatural mythology. The concept of selling one's soul to the devil for success is an age-old notion intricately explored in this movie. It's this dark pact with the unknown that accelerates the band's ascent in the music world, sparking discussions on society's thirst for rapid success without considering the moral implications.

The film pays homage to the iconic age of rock and roll, with several real-life rock legends making a cameo appearance, heightening the authenticity of the narrative. Through cleverly curated scenes – wild concerts, recordings, and behind-the-scenes of a rock band in the making, the movie portrays the rock-star lifestyle in a decidedly honest light. This, coupled with an original and high-energy soundtrack, makes it a sought-after piece for rock fans and thrill-seekers.

Andy Biersack brings a unique blend of sensitivity and raw edge to his role given his real-life experience as the frontman of rock band Black Veil Brides. Meanwhile, Booboo Stewart offers a compelling performance as a torn musician grappling with the morality of their situation. Ben Bruce, as the band's lead guitarist, offers an impressive acting turn. The supporting cast – including Malcolm McDowell, Bill Duke, and John Bradley – aid in creating an immersive, engaging atmosphere throughout.

Avildsen's directorial approach in American Satan balances the larger-than-life rock-and-roll scenes with quieter moments that explore the characters on a deeper level. Various elements, including the stark depiction of the complexities of the music industry, the struggle for success, and the supernatural elements, are woven together to create an electrifying and darkly magnetic narrative. The film, while filled with the expected extravagance of a rock-band's lifestyle, doesn’t shy away from exhibiting the harsh realities that often accompany the path to stardom.

American Satan shines in its cinematography, with each frame resembling a carefully crafted photograph. It melds surreal visuals, neon lights, and concert scenes to create a truly alluring rock and roll canvas. The movie engages audiences with its high-octane performances and narrative, exploring profound questions of ambition, morality, and the punishing nature of fame. Between the electrifyingly atmospheric music sequences and the dramatic story arcs, American Satan delivers a riveting watch.

In essence, American Satan is a bold foray into the world of rock and roll, layered with mystical elements and touching on the complexities of human ambition. With charismatic performances and a blend of thrilling, supernatural narratives with musical scenes, it certainly strikes a chord with viewers, leaving a lasting impression.