American Satan

American Satan

Year: 2017

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Ash Avildsen

Echo Score: 60
DramaThrillerMusic

A struggling rock band, comprised of musicians from both Europe and America, dreams of making it big on the Sunset Strip. While pursuing their ambitions, they encounter a mysterious and manipulative figure who preys on their desperation. This enigmatic presence offers them a dangerous opportunity, a Faustian bargain that promises fame and fortune but demands a steep price, forever altering their musical journey and testing the limits of their ambition.

American Satan (2017) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at American Satan (2017) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the neon‑washed shadows of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, a restless rock band called The Relentless chases the mythic promise of stardom. The city pulses with electric guitars, smoky clubs, and a restless energy that feeds the ambitions of anyone daring enough to step onto its stage. Against this backdrop, the film breathes a gritty, high‑octane vibe where the line between dream and danger glows as brightly as the streetlights.

At the heart of the group is Johnny Faust, a charismatic frontman torn between his modest roots in Columbus, Ohio, and the seductive roar of the crowd that beckons from the West Coast. He carries the weight of responsibilities to his mother and his steady girlfriend Gretchen, whose presence anchors him even as the music scene pulls him farther away. The arrival of Lily, a fiercely talented new member, adds both fresh creative fire and an undercurrent of tension as the band’s chemistry shifts and deepens.

Amid the clamor of amplifiers and ambition, an elusive, manipulative presence slides into the picture, offering the band a tantalizing shortcut to fame. This figure embodies the classic Faustian bargain: a promise of instant success that hints at a far steeper cost. The film teases this deal with a tone that is simultaneously seductive and foreboding, coloring every rehearsal and gig with a sense that something larger—and darker—lurks just beyond the spotlight.

The Relentless’ journey becomes a study of how far artists will push themselves when the appetite for recognition collides with moral hesitation. Their story unfolds amid electric riffs, flashing billboards, and the relentless chase of a dream that could either lift them into legend or forever scar their souls. The atmosphere is thick with temptation, camaraderie, and the ever‑present question of what price is too high for fame.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 03:01

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Faustian Deal Movies Like American Satan

Stories where ambition leads to a sinister deal with devastating consequences.If you liked the high-stakes bargain and moral collapse in American Satan, explore these movies about deals with the devil. Discover stories where ambition leads characters down a dark path of sacrifice, fame, and tragic consequences, testing their very souls.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a desperate protagonist or group facing a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. A charismatic but sinister figure offers a solution that promises instant gratification—fame, power, or talent—but demands an unspecified, ultimately soul-crushing price. The story then charts the thrilling ascent and the subsequent, painful unraveling as the true cost comes due.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared core plot device—the Faustian pact—and the resulting thematic exploration of ambition, corruption, and the heavy price of desire. They create a specific tension between the thrill of achieving one's dreams and the dread of the impending reckoning.

Rock and Roll Tragedy Movies Similar to American Satan

High-octane stories of artistic ambition fueled by hedonism and tragedy.Fans of the chaotic rock and roll downfall in American Satan will find similar stories here. These movies capture the intense, fast-paced world of music, fame, and hedonism, leading to addiction, tragedy, and a strained path to bittersweet redemption.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow artists or bands on their turbulent journey to stardom. The narrative structure is often a whirlwind of touring, parties, and creative highs, which is sharply contrasted with the personal toll of addiction, betrayal, and loss. The climax often involves a tragic event that forces a confrontation with the empty cost of fame.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific setting—the hedonistic underbelly of the music industry—and a shared emotional palette of chaotic energy, desperate ambition, and somber tragedy. They offer a visceral, often critical look at the price of artistic success.

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American Satan Summary

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American Satan Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in American Satan

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Characters, Settings & Themes in American Satan

More About American Satan

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Discover movies like American Satan that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.