Social media and internet ubiquity has ushered in trolls as a cornerstone of our digital lives. Racist bastards and sexist assholes, are pervasive, but there are others out there just trying to push your buttons in a silly, often-times funny, way (see boffa deez). These trolls can be damn entertaining. And in the new documentary, “Hail Satan?” audiences will discover that Satanists can be some of the most interesting and amusing trolls of them all.
A doc that follows the rise in popularity of The Satanic Temple, a religious organization that was founded by people that just want to rile up the fundamentalists and create some meaningful dialogue about religious freedom, there’s no reason to believe that “Hail Satan?” would be one of the funniest films of the year. But dammit to hell is it funny. And sure, The Satanic Temple (TST) wear evil-looking costumes (or no clothes at all), simulate human sacrifices, and raise their “devil horn” hands like you’d see at any metal concert. But make no mistake, these aren’t the murderous devil-worshippers that were feared during the infamous, and completely fake, Satanic Panic. These Satanists are a different breed of devious.
Nom de plume aside, members of TST don’t actually worship Satan. Even though the Christians that spout horrible words and threats at the leadership of the Temple might believe it, founders Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry chose the Luciferian nickname as a badge of honor, utilizing the fallen angel as the symbol for misunderstood outsiders everywhere. These guys aren’t trying to eat babies and summon the Antichrist. No, they’re only trying to keep Christianity in check and ensure that secular people can enjoy the freedom they desire without Christian theocracy creeping into their lives or already-controlling government.
Director Penny Lane smartly chooses to focus “Hail Satan?” almost entirely on the aforementioned Greaves, who may just be the most likable, funny, and interesting character you’ll find in any film all year. His name may sound evil—and it’s supposed to—but Greaves is just a nerdy, slightly odd guy that just stumbled into the role of spokesperson for one of the fastest growing religious organizations in the world. And he’s the first person to tell you that he’s absolutely shocked by the ridiculous amount of attention TST has received in recent years.
The majority of “Hail Satan?” focuses on the media coverage and incredible growth of TST, stemming from the group’s willingness to be the thorn in the side of government officials that insist on blurring the lines between church and state, specifically when some of the fly-over states try to put the Ten Commandments in front of government buildings. The Satanic Temple doesn’t just protest these monuments. No, like any good troll, the organization uses common sense, a wickedly wry sense of humor, and ultimately, the law, and turns the tables on government officials. Their argument is simple—Do you want the Ten Commandments outside of your building? Great, then you must also put a massive, bronze Satanic sculpture of Baphomet right next to it because all religions should be treated equally, right?
These legal battles have not only put TST on the radar of news organizations and Christian groups, who insist on telling Greaves and his flock that they’re evil personified and are going straight to Hell (the response, “Looking forward to it!”), but these court cases have also attracted the attention of like-minded folks that are inspired by the Satanists and their outsider, underdog message.
Lane does an incredible job, demonstrating that that 99% of card-carrying members of this brand of Satanism aren’t the scary monsters your pastor warned you about. TST is comprised of funny, intelligent, and charismatic people that all share one thing in common— they exist on the fringes of their community. Maybe they’re gay, or into a type of music that many people don’t understand. Or in many cases, TST members are just fed up with Christians and other religious right attempting to foist their beliefs on people through prayer in school, anti-choice legislation, and yes, the Ten Commandments monuments.
And while “Hail Satan?” tackles many current hot-button issues, no matter what side of the argument you find yourself on, you’re likely going to love every second of the film. Lane is able to capture a universal story told by regular, relatable people, but through the use of one of the world’s oldest, most evil villains, Lucifer. While the last act does spin its wheels somewhat, and the film ends without much of a resolution, overall, the main takeaway is still how sly, wicked, crafty and clever the film and the TST members are.
A documentary about a group of Satanists cunningly protesting religious monuments has no right being as hilarious as “Hail Satan?” But what the doc proves is that a talented filmmaker, combined with a thought-provoking subject and intensely fascinating characters can truly make some fun black magick pop off the screen. “Hail Satan?” also provides plenty of evidence that trolling people, without too much malice, can be a hell of a good time. [A-]