Directed by
Peter Sollett
Made by
Netflix
Discover the intricate plot of Metal Lords (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Metalhead Hunter Sylvester, portrayed by Adrian Greensmith, is passionate about music and often jams with his best friend, the anxious Kevin Schlieb, played by Jaeden Lieberher. While Kevin is limited to playing just one drum in the school’s marching band, he expresses a desire to learn the full kit. During band practice, Kevin witnesses Emily, a troubled Scottish student played by Isis Hainsworth, having a breakdown as she quits due to her clarinet struggles. Meanwhile, Hunter and Kevin face financial hurdles as they need $1,000 to purchase a complete drum set.
Their day takes a turn when Kevin insists on attending a party hosted by Clay Moss played by Noah Urrea. There, Kevin attempts to fit in while Hunter feels out of place. The party goes awry with Kevin drunkenly flirting with Kendall played by [Analesa Fisher], while Hunter finds himself clashing with the school jock, Rocky “Skip” Hoffman, who has a knack for bullying them.
The duo’s fortunes shift when Hunter learns about an upcoming “Battle of the Bands,” igniting his ambition for fame and pushing him to sign up their band, humorously named Skullfucker. Determined to win, Hunter takes a reckless step by swiping his dad’s AMEX card to splurge on band gear, including a drum kit for Kevin. During practice, Kevin discovers Emily’s hidden talent as a skilled cellist, leading to a budding romance between them as he shares a metal playlist assigned by Hunter.
However, Hunter’s fixation on winning creates tension; he rudely dismisses Emily as a potential bassist for their band, claiming she doesn’t match their image. This strains their friendship as Kevin begins dating Emily after a heartfelt apology, unknowingly stirring jealousy in Hunter, who fears Emily will derail their band’s success. Meanwhile, Clay, who invites Kevin to join his band, finds himself in a complicated situation when Mollycoddle’s drummer goes to rehab.
Tensions escalate as Hunter mocks Emily during class, leading her to confront him and inadvertently damaging his guitar. This confrontation culminates in a fallout between him and Kevin, forcing Kevin to join Mollycoddle and perform at a family wedding, while Hunter’s attempts to reconcile lead him to criminal mischief and arrest.
As both friends navigate their shifting loyalties, Kevin is confronted by fantastical representations of his conscience in the form of heavy-metal icons. Their guidance helps him realize his true feelings for Emily and the importance of his friendship with Hunter. In a twist of fate, Hunter finds himself in a rehab run by Dr. Troy Nix, brilliantly portrayed by Joe Manganiello, who shares his own struggles with addiction and underscores the value of friendship and overcoming personal demons.
After a daring escape from rehab, Hunter and Kevin go to seek Emily’s forgiveness and invite her to join them as their cellist. At the Battle of the Bands, Kevin decides to bow out of Mollycoddle to make space for their new drummer, only for Emily to step in at the last moment, transforming their group into Skullflower. Although chaos ensues when Skip’s drunken antics lead to an injury for Hunter, their performance is a resounding success, leaving them as viral sensations despite not winning the contest.
In an uplifting conclusion, the trio—Kevin, Emily, and a recovering Hunter—find themselves back in the basement, overcoming their struggles and ready to take on new challenges as a band, united by a shared passion and newfound camaraderie.
Track the key events of Metal Lords (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Kevin's Desire to Play
Kevin Schlieb expresses a yearning to expand his drumming skills beyond the single drum he plays in the marching band. His ambition sets the stage for the musical journey he and his best friend Hunter embark on.
Emily's Breakdown
During a band practice, Emily, a troubled Scottish student, faces a breakdown while struggling with her clarinet. This pivotal moment highlights the pressures students face in pursuing their musical passions.
Financial Hurdles
Hunter and Kevin discover they need $1,000 to purchase a complete drum set, which presents a significant challenge. This financial difficulty further emphasizes the obstacles young musicians face in pursuing their dreams.
The Party at Clay's
Kevin insists on attending a party hosted by Clay Moss, hoping to fit in with the crowd. The night takes a chaotic turn when Kevin drunkenly flirts with Kendall, leading to uncomfortable situations for him and Hunter.
Hunter's Ambition Ignited
Hunter learns about an upcoming 'Battle of the Bands,' igniting his dreams of fame. Seizing the opportunity, he impulsively signs up their band, humorously named Skullfucker, emphasizing their determination.
Swiping Dad's Card
Determined to equip their band for the battle, Hunter makes a reckless choice by using his dad's AMEX card to buy band gear, including a new drum kit for Kevin. This decision showcases the lengths they are willing to go for their passion.
Kevin Meets Emily
During practice, Kevin discovers that Emily is not just a clarinet player, but a talented cellist. This revelation sparks a romantic connection between them, as he introduces her to a metal playlist he loves.
Tension Over Band Image
Hunter’s growing obsession with winning leads him to exclude Emily from the band, claiming she doesn't fit their image. This causes tension as Kevin begins dating Emily, setting the stage for a rift between the friends.
Fallout and New Alliances
After a confrontation with Hunter, Kevin decides to perform with the rival band, Mollycoddle, deepening the divide between him and Hunter. This decision illustrates the shifting loyalties and tensions in their friendship.
Hunter's Arrest
In an attempt to reconcile with Kevin, Hunter finds himself involved in criminal mischief leading to his arrest. This moment becomes a turning point, highlighting his internal struggles and the consequences of his actions.
Confronting Inner Demons
As Kevin grapples with his own feelings, he encounters metaphoric representations of heavy-metal icons who guide him in reflecting on his priorities. This surreal experience helps him reassess his friendship with Hunter and his feelings for Emily.
Rehab and Redemption
Hunter is placed in rehab, where he meets Dr. Troy Nix, who shares his own battles with addiction. Their conversations underscore the importance of friendship and moving past personal struggles.
Seeking Forgiveness
After a daring escape from rehab, Hunter teams up with Kevin to seek Emily's forgiveness. Their journey back to friendship shows their commitment to repairing their bond and includes an invitation for her to join their band.
Battle of the Bands
At the 'Battle of the Bands,' Kevin makes a risky decision to leave Mollycoddle and join his friends instead. Chaos erupts but ultimately, Emily steps in as their cellist, transforming Skullfucker into Skullflower.
A New Beginning
Despite the tumultuous events of the night, their performance is met with acclaim, marking them as viral sensations. The trio—Kevin, Emily, and a recovering Hunter—embrace their challenges and look forward to the future together.
Meet the characters that bring Metal Lords (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hunter Sylvester
Hunter is a passionate metalhead and a driving force behind the band's aspirations. His ambition often leads him to make decisions that strain his relationships, highlighting his struggle with jealousy and insecurity. Despite his flaws, he shows significant growth throughout the film as he learns to value friendship over fame.
Kevin Schlieb
Kevin is the anxious yet determined friend of Hunter, aspiring to grow as a drummer. His journey is marked by his willingness to confront challenges, including his feelings for Emily and his complicated friendship with Hunter. Through self-discovery, he learns the importance of balancing ambition with loyalty.
Emily
Emily is a troubled yet talented cellist who captures Kevin's heart. Her character embodies resilience as she strives to overcome her own struggles and proves to be an integral part of the band's transformation. Emily's journey with music and love illustrates the importance of finding one's voice.
Dr. Troy Nix
Dr. Troy Nix is the wise guide who helps Hunter navigate his struggles with addiction. His own backstory of overcoming challenges provides not only mentorship but also emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Dr. Nix stands as a supportive figure, advocating for healing and friendship.
Uncover the settings of Metal Lords (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the challenges faced by today's youth. It showcases the issues surrounding friendship, ambition, and the pressures of fitting in during adolescence.
Location
School, Party venue, Rehabilitation Center
The movie primarily takes place in a high school setting where music and friendships intertwine. The party venue marks a pivotal moment where characters confront social dynamics and personal challenges. Additionally, the rehabilitation center represents a place of growth and recovery for the characters, emphasizing themes of support and redemption.
Explore the core themes of Metal Lords (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🎸
Friendship
The theme of friendship is central to the movie, highlighting the bond between Hunter and Kevin. Their relationship faces trials as they pursue their dreams but ultimately reinforces the importance of support and understanding among friends. The evolution of their friendship, through misunderstandings and reconciliations, showcases the strength found in unity.
🔥
Ambition
Ambition drives the characters, especially Hunter, as he aspires to achieve fame with their band. This ambition leads to conflicts and challenges that test their relationships. The pursuit of success, paired with the risk of losing what truly matters, shapes the narrative and character dynamics.
💕
Love
Amidst the chaos of music and ambition, love blossoms between Kevin and Emily. Their relationship evolves from friendship to romance, highlighting the transformative power of love in overcoming personal struggles. This theme intertwines with the characters’ journeys, showcasing how love can be a source of strength.
🧠
Self-discovery
Self-discovery is a key theme as characters confront their insecurities and personal demons. Kevin's journey, aided by heavy-metal icons, leads him to realize his true feelings and the value of friendship. Hunter’s path through rehab reinforces the idea that understanding oneself is crucial for growth and connection.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.