‘Metal up your ass’
Metal Lords is a 2022 American coming-of-age dramedy film about two alienated teenagers that form a metal band in a high school… where exactly two teens care about metal. They can’t find a bassist, but there is this one girl who plays the cello. They need to work together if they’re ever going to win the Battle of the Bands.
Directed by Peter Sollett (Minecraft; Freeheld; Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist; Raising Victor Vargas) from a screenplay written by D.B. Weiss (The Three-Body Problem; Game of Thrones).
The movie stars Jaeden Martell (Mr Harrington’s Phone; Knives Out; IT and IT: Chapter Two), Brett Gelman, Isis Hainsworth, Sufe Bradshaw, Katie O’Grady and Joe Manganiello.
Reviews:
” …the screenplay refuses to delve into clichés […] These characters solve their differences organically and with the unity of music. All three leads stand out (Jaeden Martel usually does), elevating the material like a good solo.” *** Flickering Myth
“A likable but low-wattage story of high school outcasts who seek rebirth through aggro music, Peter Sollett’s Metal Lords ostensibly aims for Heavy but is surprisingly Lite in its take on teenage mental illness, classroom violence and bullying […] Greensmith stands out here, offering a credible passion for Hunter’s music of choice and mastering his dismissive attitude toward all that Is Not Metal.” The Hollywood Reporter
“It doesn’t all work and doesn’t entirely come together. And metal isn’t everybody’s cup of tinnitus. But throw enough Netflix money at it and you get thoroughbred credits (check out Joe Manganiello in the third act) in front of and behind the camera and a cheerful “Let’s flip-off the parents” attitude.” Movie Nation
” …the movie shows a keen awareness of how nerdy, shy or bullied children are drawn to metal music for its brute power and the high caliber of expertise it demands. Conventional but genuine, Metal Lords comprehends the riot of adolescent emotions and the many ways teenagers manage them.” The New York Times
” …beyond boasting an extensive playlist of classic metal jams on its soundtrack, the film isn’t particularly interested in the allure that this genre of music has for so many social outcasts. Rather, this often corny coming-of-age comedy preaches the value of compromise and conformity over that of youthful rebellion. As the kids might say, that’s so not metal.” Slant
“Greensmith and Martell (IT) together are magic and seem like they’ve been acting far beyond their years. Hainsworth (Emma) takes someone like Emily who could be easily one-dimensional and turns her into a fantastic, real person. I love when movies write in-jokes or moments specifically for the adults that are watching, and Metal Lords is no exception.” 100% That Hashtag Show
“It’s clear the filmmakers love and honor the artistry behind the music: Metal Lords features a massive soundtrack, courtesy of executive music producer Tom Morello and music supervisor Denise Luiso, that blends classic and modern acts, as well as a slew of cameos from industry icons. That’s too bad, since the film deals its main characters a disservice in the way they’re poorly constructed as compromised, complicated beings.” Variety
Release:
Metal Lords will stream worldwide on Netflix on Friday, April 8, 2022.
Cast and characters:
Joe Manganiello … TBC
Jaeden Martell … Kevin Schlieb
Brett Gelman … Doctor Sylvester
Isis Hainsworth … Emily Spector
Sufe Bradshaw … Dean Swanson
Katie O’Grady … Laurie Schlieb
Michelle Fang [Mao] … Lisa Randall
Adrian Greensmith … Hunter Sylvester
Teddy Van Ee … Ray
Noah Urrea … Clay Moss
Analesa Fisher … Kendall Sarn
Christopher M. Lopes … Robbie
Austin Huynh … Tim
Grayson Palumbo … Earl
Rachel Pate … Ms Johnson
Elliot Orr … Quentin
Technical details:
1 hour 37 minutes
Trailer:
Promo:
Interview with screenwriter D.B. Weiss:
