Music documentary

Satan & Adam (2019): Cast & Ratings

Name: Satan & Adam
Genre: Music, Documentary
Released: 2019-04-12
Duration: 1 h 20 min
Cast: Adam Gussow, Harry Shearer, The Edge, Al Sharpton, Sterling Magee

Satan & Adam is a 2019 music documentary directed by Scott Balcerek, starring Adam Gussow, Harry Shearer and The Edge. It runs 1 hour 20 minutes. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
Echo Score: 77
Metascore: 75

Loading streaming availability…

Watch the trailer

Released: April 12, 2019
Runtime: 1h 20m (80 min)
Director: Scott Balcerek
Genres: Music , Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Cargo Films and Releasing
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is Satan & Adam About?

The premise of Satan & Adam without spoilers.

Set in 1980s Harlem, this documentary explores the extraordinary 20-year friendship and musical partnership between Sterling "Mr. Satan" Magee and Adam Gussow. Coming from vastly different backgrounds, the two men formed a blues duo whose harmonies bridged racial divides and spanned decades. The film is a moving tribute to the unifying power of music and a poignant look at the enduring strength of art and human connection.

Loading streaming availability…

Cast & crew

Satan & Adam Cast

Adam Gussow leads the cast, with Harry Shearer and The Edge. Directed by Scott Balcerek; 6 actors are credited in all.

Director Scott Balcerek

Adam Gussow as themselves
Harry Shearer as themselves
The Edge as themselves
Al Sharpton as themselves

Also Starring in Satan & Adam

· 2 more

Sterling Magee Themselves
Rachel Faro Themselves

Ratings

Satan & Adam Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Satan & Adam 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in sensory experience (85) and weakest in story & flow (65).

77 /100

Satan & Adam Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Satan & Adam succeeds as a compelling musical documentary with genuine emotional resonance despite its occasional narrative gaps. The film’s strength lies in its vivid portrayal of the duo’s partnership and the visceral power of the blues, which permeates each sequence. However, the shifting visual approach and sparse biographical context can interrupt momentum and leave certain questions unaddressed. Ultimately, the film leaves a lasting impression through its celebration of music and friendship, even if it stops short of full narrative immersion.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 75

In terms of art and craft, the film employs a blend of archival and contemporary footage to create an earnest visual tapestry. The gritty, monochrome concert sequences contrast with modern color interviews, showcasing competent editing choices. While the mixed aesthetic can feel uneven at times, the overall direction maintains a clear cinematic focus and coherence.
Character & Emotion 75

When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary highlights the genuine chemistry and enduring friendship of its subjects. The emotional resonance of their musical collaboration is conveyed through candid interviews and performance footage. However, the lack of deeper personal background and unfilled narrative moments tempers the overall depth. The net effect remains a sincere portrayal of camaraderie.
Story & Flow 65

In terms of story and flow, Satan & Adam presents an engaging narrative of musical discovery and partnership. The pacing balances concert highlights with biographical segments, maintaining audience interest. Yet the omission of certain life chapters and sudden shifts between archival and modern sequences create occasional lapses in coherence. Overall, the story remains inviting despite these structural gaps.
Sensory Experience 85

When it comes to sensory experience, the film excels in its rich sound design and evocative soundtrack. The blues performances are captured with clarity and emotional depth, immersing viewers in the musical ambiance. Visually, the interplay of monochrome and color imagery adds texture, though stylistic shifts can feel momentarily disjointed. The net impact is a primarily immersive sensory journey.
Rewatch Factor 70

For rewatch factor, the enduring appeal lies in the strength of the music and the heartfelt friendship at its core. The vivid performances encourage multiple viewings to appreciate instrumental nuances and emotional undertones. Nevertheless, the unanswered narrative questions may reduce repeated engagement for viewers seeking comprehensive biographical insight. Still, the film’s musical resonance supports solid replay value.