King of the Apocalypse

In the heart of America, where ideologies collide and tensions run high, lies an entity shrouded in mystery - the militia movement. Founded by Stewart Rhodes, the Oath Keepers, have garnered significant attention for their stance on national defense and preserving freedom. Sky, fueled by the chaos of Trump's impending presidency and the uncertainty surrounding the January 6th rioters' fate, delves into the world of these armed groups in the documentary 'King of the Apocalypse'. This film, a journey through the complex and often divisive landscape of America's militia movement, sheds light on the enigmatic figure of Stewart Rhodes, the man behind the Oath Keepers. The documentary begins by introducing Stewart Rhodes, a man with a passion for history and military theory. He emerges as a charismatic figure, well-spoken and articulate, yet harboring a deep-seated fear for the United States and its institutions. Drawing from his experience in the US military, Rhodes developed a profound distrust for the government and an unrelenting desire to preserve the rights of American citizens. His vision for the Oath Keepers was rooted in the belief that the military would turn against its own people, and that their job was to prepare their fellow citizens for that eventuality. As Sky navigates further into the world of the Oath Keepers, it becomes clear that their ideology is a blend of libertarian and far-right ideologies, mixed with an extreme distrust of the government. This is reflected in their adherence to the principles of the original American militia movement, with each member swearing an oath to defend their fellow citizens against tyranny and oppression. However, beneath this seemingly noble pursuit lies a world of paranoia, fear-mongering, and an unapologetic advocacy for violence. The documentary highlights the rise of the militia movement, which gained momentum during the early 2000s as a reaction to the War on Terror. Rhodes, along with other prominent militia leaders, capitalized on this sentiment, exploiting the fears and anxieties of a nation torn apart by 9/11 and the subsequent wars. The Oath Keepers, in particular, gained prominence due to their extreme stance on national defense and their readiness to take up arms in the face of perceived government overreach. As the filmmakers delve deeper into the Oath Keepers' inner workings, they expose a world of clandestine gatherings, training exercises, and a culture that celebrates individualism and anti-authoritarianism. Interviews with Oath Keepers reveal a collective psyche characterized by an acute sense of victimhood, an expectation of imminent catastrophe, and an unyielding commitment to their cause. This worldview, marked by a binary opposition between good and evil, fosters a sense of moral absolutism that justifies - and occasionally glorifies - violence in the name of patriotism. The Oath Keepers' relationship with their founder, Stewart Rhodes, is central to the documentary's narrative. His charismatic leadership and persuasive speeches draw in new recruits, who are often driven by a desire for belonging, validation, or a sense of purpose. However, as the film reveals, this dynamic also allows Rhodes to wield significant power and control over his followers, using fear, emotional manipulation, and dogma to maintain their loyalty. The documentary also touches upon the Oath Keepers' involvement in various high-profile events, including the Bundy Ranch standoff and the January 6th riot at the US Capitol. In each of these incidents, the Oath Keepers' ideology and tactics are on full display, showcasing their willingness to engage in armed conflict in the name of their causes. The filmmakers carefully navigate the gray areas between free speech, civil disobedience, and terrorism, raising important questions about the boundaries between activism and extremism. Ultimately, 'King of the Apocalypse' presents a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of America's militia movement and the ideology that drives it. By granting unprecedented access to Stewart Rhodes and his followers, the filmmakers expose the inner workings of a phenomenon that has garnered significant attention in recent years. As the documentary makes clear, the Oath Keepers, and the militia movement as a whole, represent a complex and multifaceted world that cannot be reduced to simplistic labels or categorizations. Instead, 'King of the Apocalypse' invites viewers to engage with the intricacies of American identity, freedom, and the blurred lines between patriotism and extremism.