American Satan

American Satan 2017

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Plot Summary


In their quest for fame, The Relentless, a diverse rock band with members from both England and the US, find themselves captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles. At the center of this whirlwind is the charismatic vocalist, Johnny Faust, who grapples with the choice between his modest life in Columbus, Ohio, alongside his mother and girlfriend, Gretchen, and the seductive allure of stardom. As the band auditions for a new bassist, they are introduced to Lily, an exceptionally talented musician eager to join their journey.

A pivotal moment occurs when Johnny encounters a homeless man who offers sage advice about trusting one’s intuition rather than mere perception, setting the stage for an unsettling deal proposed by an enigmatic figure claiming to embody evil. This mysterious individual guarantees fame for The Relentless, but at a terrifying price: a human sacrifice. This dark proposition forces the band members to confront their moral convictions.

Amidst the chaos, Lily reveals her haunting history involving the cruelty of her former bandmate, Damien, deepening her bond with Johnny. However, tragedy strikes as Johnny learns of his mother’s battle with breast cancer, further complicating his emotional turmoil. The tension escalates when a confrontation with Damien leads the band down a devastating path, resulting in a heart-wrenching decision to abandon their former bandmate. Tragically, when Johnny hesitates, Damien suffers a fatal fate as he attempts to flee the inferno.

With a record deal secured and their album American Satan released, The Relentless embarks on a nationwide tour that turns sour after a violent altercation in a Kansas bar. Following Johnny’s arrest and subsequent acquittal, the band becomes perceived as harbingers of chaos. Their fans, emboldened by Johnny’s bravery, inadvertently initiate a series of tragic events that reflect the repercussions of their fame.

Struggling with the strains of a long-distance relationship, Johnny finds solace in substance abuse as Lily’s increasing influence within the band leads to friction. Personal demons resurface as band member Ricky succumbs to a cocaine overdose while Leo drowns his sorrows in drugs. Heartbreak ensues when Gretchen decides to part ways with Johnny, who seeks comfort in heroin and Lily. The fallout is catastrophic, including the tragic fate of a teenager, manipulated by Johnny under dire circumstances.

As these events unfold, Johnny battles addiction and the burden of notoriety. Just when he believes he has hit rock bottom, the homeless man from earlier reappears as a harbinger of reality checks. In a bid for redemption, Johnny enters rehab while Lily disappears into obscurity. Despite the turmoil, American Satan skyrockets to the top of the charts, and The Relentless gains acclaim, their music resonating through a world that both idolizes and vilifies them.

While savoring their newfound success, a miracle occurs when Johnny’s mother responds positively to cancer treatment, leading to her remission. Yet, unresolved issues haunt Johnny who futilely tries to reignite his romance with Gretchen, only to receive rejection once more. The band’s appearance at a music festival takes a dark turn when the Devil, in an ominous guise, demands a human sacrifice during their performance.

As the moment unfolds, Lily makes a surprise return, followed by the appearance of the Devil manifested as Johnny’s mother’s new partner. Seizing the crucial moment, Johnny confronts the Devil, briefly aiming a gun at himself before redirecting it toward the malevolent entity, effectively ending its sinister influence. His impulsive action provokes an immediate response from authorities who arrest him.

During his time in prison, Johnny is unexpectedly visited by Gabriel, the archangel, who was none other than the homeless man from before, and Gretchen, who still harbors deep feelings for him. Together with Damien’s father, an experienced lawyer, Gretchen plays an instrumental role in securing Johnny’s release on a technicality. This pivotal moment allows Johnny to reclaim his future, making him confront the ramifications of his past actions and the crossroads that lie before him.

Timeline


The Band's Formation

The Relentless, a diverse rock band, forms in pursuit of fame and fortune. Members from both England and the US come together in the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles, showcasing their unique styles and backgrounds.

Los Angeles

Johnny's Dilemma

Johnny Faust, the charismatic vocalist, faces a critical choice between his modest life in Columbus, Ohio or the glamorous promises of stardom. His struggles are compounded by his deep attachments to his mother and girlfriend, Gretchen, who both represent his past and the life he’s risking.

Columbus, Ohio

Introducing Lily

During auditions for a new bassist, the band encounters Lily, an exceptionally talented musician. Her eagerness to join The Relentless hints at new dynamics forming within the group, igniting excitement for their musical journey.

The Homeless Man's Advice

A pivotal moment occurs when Johnny meets a homeless man who offers sage wisdom about trusting intuition over perception. This conversation becomes significant as it foreshadows the dire choices that lie ahead for Johnny and the band.

The Dark Proposition

Confronted by an enigmatic figure representing evil, Johnny and the band are faced with a terrifying proposition that promises fame at the cost of a human sacrifice. This unsettling choice pits their ambitions against their moral beliefs.

Lily's Haunting Past

As tensions rise within the band, Lily reveals her painful history involving cruelty from her former bandmate, Damien. This revelation deepens her connection with Johnny and introduces further complexity to their relationship.

Family Tragedy

Johnny receives heartbreaking news regarding his mother’s battle with breast cancer, which weighs heavily on him. This revelation exacerbates his emotional struggles as he grapples with fame and his familial obligations.

Confrontation with Damien

A violent confrontation between Johnny and Damien leads to a shocking climax where Johnny’s indecision results in Damien’s tragic fate. This event marks a turning point where the weight of their choices becomes increasingly apparent among the band.

The Nationwide Tour

With their album *American Satan* released and a record deal secured, The Relentless embarks on a nationwide tour. However, the tour quickly spirals into chaos following a violent bar altercation in Kansas, further tarnishing their reputation.

Kansas

Struggles with Addiction

Amidst the pressures of fame and strain from long-distance relationships, Johnny turns to substance abuse. As the group falters, his friends like Ricky succumb to addiction, leading to catastrophic consequences for everyone involved.

Heartbreak and Relationships

As the chaos unfolds, Gretchen decides to end her relationship with Johnny due to his self-destructive behavior. This heartbreak drives Johnny further into heroin and complicates his relationship with Lily, straining the band's unity.

The Return of the Homeless Man

Just when Johnny thinks he has hit rock bottom, the homeless man reappears, serving as a startling reminder of the choices he has made. This prompts Johnny to seek redemption, leading him to rehab as he tries to reclaim his life.

Johnny's Mother's Remission

In a surprising turn of events, Johnny’s mother responds positively to breast cancer treatment and goes into remission. This miracle provides Johnny with a glimmer of hope amid his battles with addiction and grief.

The Dark Music Festival

During a performance at a music festival, the band faces the ominous demand from the Devil for a human sacrifice. This tension culminates in a dramatic confrontation, where Johnny must confront the very essence of evil in a bid to save himself and the band.

Johnny's Path to Redemption

Implicated in the climax with law enforcement after confronting the Devil, Johnny finds himself in prison. With the help of Gretchen and Damien’s father, Johnny gets released on a technicality, setting him on a path to confront the consequences of his actions.

Characters


Johnny Faust (John Bradley)

Johnny is a passionate and conflicted lead vocalist of The Relentless, grappling with the allure of fame and his deep-seated values. His character experiences profound growth as he struggles with addiction, relationships, and the ramifications of his choices. Johnny embodies the quintessential rock star caught in a turbulent journey toward redemption.

🎤 Lead 🌟 Fame 🥀 Redemption

Gretchen (Olivia Culpo)

Gretchen is the emotional anchor for Johnny, representing love and stability amid his chaos. Her involvement in his life is marked by moments of support and heartache as she deals with the challenges of his fame and the impact it has on their relationship. Ultimately, Gretchen's strength is a key element of the narrative.

❤️ Love ⚖️ Support 🚪 Heartbreak

Damien (Drake Bell)

Damien portrays the antagonistic former bandmate whose past actions deeply affect Lily and contribute to the band’s turmoil. His character serves as a symbol of betrayal and the darker side of the music industry, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation. This descent into conflict encapsulates the corruption that fame can bring.

⚔️ Antagonist 🎸 Betrayal 🎶 Conflict

Lily (Fivel Stewart)

Lily is a talented musician whose arrival brings both hope and deeper emotional complexities to the band. Her haunting past and connection with Johnny add layers to the narrative, showcasing vulnerability amidst the pursuit of fame. Lily's character progression reflects themes of resilience and the struggle for identity in a cutthroat environment.

🎹 Talent 🌪️ Emotional 🔍 Struggle

Gabriel (Bill Duke)

Gabriel is the archangel figure who offers Johnny guidance and a path toward redemption. Portrayed initially as a homeless man, his wisdom shapes Johnny's decisions and represents hope amid despair. Gabriel embodies the theme of morality, contrasting the seductive nature of fame with the importance of personal ethics.

🕊️ Guidance 🌈 Hope ⚖️ Morality

Setting


Time period

The film traverses modern times, reflecting contemporary issues in the music industry, including the struggles of addiction and the cost of fame. It portrays the complexities of relationships amid the stresses of pursuing a career in music, particularly focusing on the highs and lows of a band striving for stardom.

Location

Los Angeles, Columbus, Kansas

Los Angeles serves as the vibrant backdrop where the band dreams of fame and fortune, known for its rich music culture and the allure of Hollywood. Columbus, Ohio, represents Johnny's modest beginnings and the life he contemplates leaving behind, filled with familial ties. Kansas becomes a site of chaos and confrontation, showcasing the darker side of their rock and roll lifestyle in a bar that turns violent.

🌆 City 🏡 Hometown 🍻 Bar

Themes


🎸

Fame

Fame is a central theme in *American Satan*, illustrating the seductive allure it holds for aspiring musicians. The path to success is depicted as fraught with peril, highlighting how the quest for recognition can lead to moral decay. The characters' experiences with fame reveal the thin line between glory and downfall.

💔

Loss

Loss permeates the narrative, both personally and relationally for Johnny, as his mother's illness and relationship struggles add depth to his character arc. The emotional toll of abandonment, addiction, and the consequences of life choices resonate deeply throughout the story. This theme culminates in tragic events that impact not only the band but their fans as well.

😈

Temptation

Temptation takes a sinister turn with the appearance of the Devil, representing the darker side of ambition. The band’s dealings with the offer of fame at a terrible price illustrate the moral dilemmas they face. This theme underscores the idea that every choice comes with consequences that can lead to one's undoing.

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