American Insurrection 2021

Four individuals—Sarah and Jarret, a couple, along with their close friends David and Zabi, who is a Muslim woman—find themselves in a perilous situation as they navigate a dystopian United States taken over by a Right-wing militia group known as “the Volunteers.” This extremist movement has implemented a brutal regime, systematically tattooing individuals belonging to marginalized communities, including Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, and undocumented immigrants, all following a national census. The Volunteers are primarily composed of white Christian males who actively patrol the countryside in pursuit of those they deem “unwanted,” establishing roadblocks to scrutinize citizens’ papers and neck tattoos.

In this harrowing context, Sarah, portrayed by Sarah Wharton, has a history of aiding those facing persecution. She is determined to guide her friends across the heavily secured international border into Canada via a wooded escape route. The group finds temporary refuge at the farm of Michael Raymond-James’s character, Gabe, a Volunteer labeled “the dog,” who is bizarrely kept chained in his own barn. They await communication from Canada, hoping for a way out.

Things take a dramatic turn when Sarah ventures out to gather supplies and unexpectedly stumbles upon a Volunteer checkpoint. Here, she witnesses a brutal assault on Arjay, played by Brandon Perea, a gay man who has been marked with a tattoo. Demonstrating immense courage, Sarah intervenes, saving Arjay’s life and bringing him back to the farm for care. There, he is tended to by David, a nurse, portrayed by Nick Westrate.

As time passes, a sense of camaraderie develops among the group, intensified by a night of heavy drinking that leads to a kiss between David and Arjay. However, David, who has been covertly living a closeted life, is conflicted about his feelings. The narrative unfolds further with flashbacks, revealing how the harsh reality of the Volunteer takeover has profoundly impacted the characters, shaping their lives and decisions in unexpected ways.

With the Volunteers ramping up their efforts to eradicate those they consider unwanted, tension mounts within the group as secrets come to light. The dynamics among the friends shift dramatically, testing their trust and loyalty as they confront their worst fears in a world where safety is no longer guaranteed. The film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit’s fight against oppression amid rising threats.