Hail Satan?

As the ultimate example of judging a book by its cover, Satanism is both a fascinating documentary subject and worthy adversary for religious preference of any kind. It “commemorates what makes America great, and that is religious liberty,“ Lucien explains. This is an unconventional community battling conformity, asking the population to think for themselves and show respect for others. Set aside your preconceived notions of what Satanism is about and check out 'Hail Satan?' - it's a hell of an eye-opening experience.

• Charlie David Page

Read Charlie's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-hail-satan-a-hell-of-a-fascinating-documentary

Head to https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/sff for more Sydney Film Festival reviews.

Now I will happily admit that I knew nothing about the "Satanic Temple" when I saw this preview screening. At first, I struggled to establish whether or not it was a "mockumentary" on the excesses of this movement - particularly when Lucien Greaves (surely a made up name?!) was being interviewed. I am still not entirely convinced that this isn't a hoax! What it does do, regardless, is challenge quite a few assumptions about "good" and "evil". A lot of what the Temple appears to stand for is quite laudable - from equality of worship and the disestablishment of the Christian church from the US state to improved local services and better schooling. It might actually be more of an effective social commentary rather than a critique on Satanism. Worth watching, but take with a pinch of salt!