SYNOPSIS
A singular portrait depicting Satanists in both the everyday and the extraordinary, Realm of Satan is a ritualistic documentary that casts a spell on viewers, luring them into a mystical world of magic, mystery, and misanthropy.
REVIEW
Realm of Satan centers on the Church of Satan, a non-mainstream group, using its strong aesthetic identity to explore ritual, fantasy, and mysticism without propaganda or sensationalism. The film meticulously depicts key members of the Church, their environment, daily life, and witchcraft rituals, focusing on Satanists dedicated to celebrating carnality and individualism. What is Satan – a horned devil or a fallen angel? The film sheds light on this underground community, freely blending fictional and supernatural elements. Straddling fiction, experimental film, and documentary, it creates a complex, mysterious portrait of the Church of Satan. Through a series of mostly wordless scenes, the film follows Satanists' daily lives, revealing an uncanny collision between the ordinary and extraordinary. Director Scott Cummings elegantly combines avant-garde roots with hardcore vérité and visual experimentation, creating a transgressive, irreverent, and beautiful work. Realm of Satan oscillates between lucid, bittersweet comedy and serious depictions of a secretive, often misunderstood religion. Cummings aims to confront traditionalism and advocate an anarchistic vision of identity and image-making. This powerful film reminds us of the enduring fascination with subcultures that embody America's imagination and beyond, while challenging conventional tastes.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
The Church of Satan intrigued me as a misfit, leading to a seven-year immersion into Satanism, collaborating with High Priest Peter Gilmore and others. This film merges participant-led moments with dispassionate observation, exploring Satanism¡¯s countercultural legacy and its embrace of diverse identities.