Set in a dystopian America, after a powerful militia takes control of the United States, a group of friends decide to escape their oppression and violence. Their only hope for a new life is to cross the tightly guarded border. The group must struggle for survival when they approach the militia to cross the border.
American Insurrection is a fierce critique of our sociopolitical climate from director William Sullivan and writer Jarret Kerr. The film satirizes Trumpian politics through its character of “The Founder,” a pompous tyrant with a 1,000-watt grin, and his loyal followers, a civilian militia that call themselves “volunteers.” Instead of bright red MAGA hats, they wear orange-colored accessories, and much like far-right “Proud Boys,” they adhere to a Hitleresque ideology by hunting any person who is not white, straight, Christian, or cisgender. Minorities are tracked with barcodes and live in fear of being killed.
A group of them are hiding out near the Canadian border. Sarah and her husband Jarret, played by an edgy Sarah Wharton and Kerr, monitor their CB radio 24/7 for a call with the coordinates to where they can safely escape. The home where they have set up their headquarters belongs to one of the volunteers named Gabe (Michael Raymond-James), a stereotypical bigoted redneck who they have chained inside the barn. Zabi (Nadine Malouf), a Muslim whose family was killed in a mosque bombing by the volunteers, watches over him.
They have a riveting dynamic that communicates the film’s ultimate message: both sides of the political spectrum must genuinely listen to one another before causing even more damaging fissures in our already divided country. It is so easy to ignore dissenting views, but that will never heal our severed nation. Malouf gives the strongest performance in the film, a potent mix of heartbreak and resilience.
Her character is criticized by the others for warming up to Gabe. Nick Westrate and Brandon Perea round out the cast as Zabi’s husband and a gay Filipino who causes tension because he is a newcomer to the group. The entire ensemble’s ardent performances enthrall the audience, especially as they confront the hatred and prejudices they face even from within their own collective.
Sullivan draws out the tension as the group waits for the call before crashing into a riveting ending with unexpected twists and turns. He balances suspense with romantic, brightly-lit memories of the past that provide a poignant juxtaposition, both visually and emotionally, to their shadowy and fearsome dystopic present. American Insurrection is a taut commentary on America’s political discord that has only worsened with the presence of COVID-19. Its resonant truth will captivate you until the final frame. This film boldly reflects the growing intolerance that is crippling our country. The filmmakers bravely turn a mirror towards the audience and ask us if this is the future we want—one that is only possible unless we start engaging in a respectful social dialogue with one another.
American Insurrection is an American dystopia action sci-fi action thriller film directed by William Sullivan and starring Nadine Malouf, Nick Westrate, Brandon Perea, Sarah Wharton, Jarret Kerr, Michael Raymond-James, Toby Leonard Moore, Louisa Krause, Andrew Kaempfer and Chad Knorr. The screenplay is written by Jarret Kerr and William Sullivan. The film was released on October 8, 2021 in the United States by Saban Films.
American Insurrection (2021)
Directed by: William Sullivan
Starring: Nadine Malouf, Nick Westrate, Brandon Perea, Sarah Wharton, Jarret Kerr, Michael Raymond-James, Toby Leonard Moore, Louisa Krause, Andrew Kaempfer, Chad Knorr
Screenplay by: Jarret Kerr, William Sullivan
Production Design by: Lauren-Noel Flores, Emily Steiker-Epstein
Cinematography by: Brandon Roots
Film Editing by: Casey O’Donnell
Costume Design by: Kathryn Bailey
Art Direction by: Anne Dempsey, Chloe Nelson
Music by: Nathan Matthew David
MPAA Rating: R for some strong violence, language throughout and some sexuality.
Distributed by: Saban Films
Release Date: October 8, 2021
Visits: 56
