ascent from darkness
A NEW feature film
SYNOPSIS : A devout Satanist sets out to assassinate a celebrity megachurch pastor only to find himself trapped in a supernatural battle where the fate of his soul- and the lives of others- hangs in balance.
the creative overview
For nearly 20 years, Michael Leehan served darkness. As a spiritual terrorist, he utilized blood rituals and sacrifices to fuel his murderous assignments. Yet there was a cost associated with his actions- family estrangement, job loss, health and mental health degradation, and eventually time in jail. Michael’s story is a cautionary tale, a spiritual tug-of-war, but also one of hope, freedom, and the power of forgiveness that allowed light to break through the curses of his darkness.
ASCENT FROM DARKNESS is a thriller that combines elements of horror and supernatural based on a true story. At its heart, this film explores harsh realities of how traumatic events can shape the course of human life, causing mental alters and splits that beg the questions: what is real and who are we?
the satanist next door
Michael Leehan looks normal by all outward appearances, but he’s no ordinary man: he’s elusive, intelligent, multi-layered, and evasive. On the surface, Micael lives an ordinary life. He’s a successful small business owner in Oklahoma and resides in the suburbs. The type of guy who waves at neighbors in the cul-de-sac as he cleans out the gutters. But at night, Michael ushers in a deeper level of darkness, a more sinister collaboration with evil.
Michael quickly gains power and moves up the ranks in evil’s army with commitment, discipline, and drive. Michael uses this power to start manipulating people: seducing women, leaving satanic bibles in churches, infiltrating bible studies, and plotting to kill his ex-wife’s husband. He ends up in prison where he gains even more power. He has nothing to lose, which allows him a dangerous type of freedom.
We learn and trace his unique tactics, process, and methodology in becoming an agent of chaos.
am i a bad person?
themes and questions
In Ascent From Darkness, we not only uncover how Michael Leehan operated but why he did the things he did. The clues he left behind that motivated his intentions. Is a person bad if all they’ve ever known is bad? A layered reality is revealed as we peel back the onion of Michael’s story and viewers may find their own sense of morality questioned.
Additional Themes
-Justice vs. Vengeance
-Light vs. Darkness
-Trauma as a portal to both destruction and transformation
-Faith as a tool and a battleground
-The haunted spaces between mental illness, spiritual power, and unresolved pain
style and tone
ASCENT FROM DARKNESS has a stylized lived-in, slightly dated and faded look to it. Not exactly modern, not quite old. Timeless in a way that you can’t quite put your finger on it. Much like No Country For Old Men feels faded yet invites intrigue. Sound of Metal and the HBO Series I Know This Much Is True provide similar faded aesthetics. This film looks feels cinematic and premium, yet gritty in a way that invites a certain edge because of the characters and substance.
why this film now?
michael leehan’s story is
“Honest, transparent, insightful, and compelling”
“An emotional roller coaster”
“riviting”
“it changed my life and the way I see my surroundings”
“powerful and redemptive”
“told from darkness to light”
“blown away”
THE creators
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JOSH FRANER (DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, writer)
Josh Franer is an American film director and producer known for pairing beautiful, effortless visuals with hopeful, true stories. His work brings a fresh eye to filmmaking and emphasizes his subjects’ emotional depth.
For Josh, collaboration is a vital part of the creative process, one that fosters innovative thought and contributes to a quality end product. Josh has collaborated with brands like Chevy, Ford, Rolls Royce, Disney, Samsung and Visit California amongst others, and his work has been featured in Fast Company and The Wall Street Journal.
His recent feature documentary "SUPERSPREADER" sparked national conversation in theaters and is now streaming.
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Nathan Presley (director, producer, writer)
Director, Writer and Cinematographer in Los Angeles, CA, Most well known for unique dark visuals and emotionally intuitive approach in: music videos, award winning narrative film and commercial work. Some of his clients include: SONY, NIKE, FILA, TOMMY HILFIGER, THE KOOPLES, MONCLER, WILSON.
select past work
watch the flesh and blood trailer
After a little girl loses the ability to speak and determine psychologist breaks into a secluded church to treat the child against her father’s wishes, but it should begins to unearth the source of her trauma, something much more terrifying rises to the surface… And into the room