The new trailer for the festival favourite Hail Satan? has been released by the folks. The film is directed by Penny Lane and comes to the screen next month following impressive debuts at festivals all over the world this year.
Lane follows co-founder Lucien Greaves and his colourful flock as they champion religious freedom and social equality and challenge the corrupt establishment, all with a heavy dose of humour and irony.
Lane examines the meteoric rise of The Satanic Temple by interviewing Greaves, key members of the Temple as well as new converts offering a glimpse into the broadening appeal of the sect. The camera follows the Temple on their quest, a series of irreverent and wickedly playful interventions: the erection of a Baphomet statue on the grounds of the Arkansas State Capitol in response to their campaign to erect a Ten Commandments monument; campaigning for the Satanic Prayer to be included in schools if Christian prayer is sanctioned; counter-protests to anti-abortionists while dressed as giant babies, as just some of the ways the Temple protests for religious and social tolerance. It becomes clear that there’s more to The Satantic Temple than goats and black candles (although there are plenty), that in fact they are champions of equality and social justice for all Americans.
As absurd and funny as it is probing and inquisitive, Hail Satan? offers a timely look at a group of rebels and outsiders holding the establishment to task and advocating for a more inclusive society.
The film releases on 23rd August. Here’s the new trailer.
