Watch Hail Satan?

Hail Satan? is a 2019 documentary exploring the philosophy and activities of the Satanic Temple, a modern religious and political movement that uses the symbolism and mythology of Satanism to advocate for individual liberties, social justice, and the separation of church and state. Directed by Penny Lane, the film chronicled the rise of the Satanic Temple from its origins as a small group of self-proclaimed pranksters in 2013 to its current status as a globally recognized organization with thousands of members and dozens of chapters.

The movie begins with footage from the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and 1990s, when religious and political conservatives feared that Satanists were engaged in secret rituals, child abuse, and other heinous crimes. The Satanic Temple, however, presents a very different image of Satanism: one that emphasizes rationality, compassion, and individualism.

Through interviews with key members of the Temple, including founder Lucien Greaves and spokesperson Jex Blackmore, the audience learns about the group's core tenets, which embrace the idea of free will, the pursuit of happiness, and the importance of science and reason. The Satanic Temple sees itself as a kind of political and cultural insurgent, challenging the dominance of Christianity and other religious beliefs that it sees as oppressive and intolerant.

The film gives a glimpse into the various activism and campaigns carried out by the Satanic Temple. They've fought for religious freedom and the right to display their own symbols alongside Christian ones on public property, such as courthouse lawns and school classrooms. They've also organized campaigns to protect reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and other human rights issues.

The documentary is structured around several key events in the Temple's history, including their battle with the city of Oklahoma over a Ten Commandments monument on the state capitol grounds, which the Temple challenged by installing its own Satanic statue.

The film also delves into the personality and motivations of Temple members, including the provocative performance artist Jex Blackmore, who stages theatrical and often controversial events to draw attention to the Temple's message. Blackmore, who was ousted from the Temple over ideological differences in 2017 (though she still identifies as a Satanist), adds a dimension of conflict and drama to the film.

Overall, Hail Satan? is a fascinating look at a little-understood segment of contemporary society. It presents the Satanic Temple not as a group of devil-worshippers, but as a provocative and thoughtful force for social change. The film raises important questions about personal freedom, religious tolerance, and the role of religion in public life, and it does so with humor, intelligence, and style.

Whether you're a believer or not, Hail Satan? is sure to challenge your assumptions about what Satanism is, and what it means in the modern world. The film is engaging and thought-provoking, and it will leave you with a lot to think about.

Hail Satan? is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 76.