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Sons of Ecstasy, a Max Originals documentary based on a true story, delves into the 1990s ecstasy drug trade in Arizona, spotlighting an unexpected rivalry. Directed by Julian P. Hobbs and Elli Hakami, the film premiered on January 9, 2025, exclusively on Max.
Produced in collaboration with Investigation Discovery, it explores the clash between English stockbroker Shaun Attwood and Gerard Gravano, son of notorious New York mobster Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano.
The documentary presents firsthand accounts, unraveling the unlikely showdown between Attwood, a British entrepreneur in the rave scene, and Gravano, heir to a Mafia legacy. They vie for control of an Ecstasy empire in the Arizona desert.
Featuring guns, gangsters, and underground raves, Sons of Ecstasy paints a vivid picture of power, betrayal, and survival, offering rare insights from both factions involved in this deadly rivalry.
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How did the Sons of Ecstasy explore the Arizona ecstasy trade of the 1990s?
Sons of Ecstasy is based on the real-life events surrounding the ecstasy drug trade in Arizona during the 1990s. At the center of the story is the rivalry between Shaun Attwood, a British stockbroker turned rave organizer, and Gerard Gravano, the son of infamous mobster Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano. Salvatore, who had turned state's evidence against the Gambino crime family, relocated to Arizona under the Witness Protection Program.
However, he and his son became involved in the burgeoning ecstasy trade, building a powerful drug-dealing operation. On the other side, Shaun Attwood, inspired by the booming rave culture in Europe, moved to Arizona and began organizing large underground raves while distributing ecstasy. The competition for dominance in the drug market escalated, creating a deadly power struggle.
In 2000, Sammy Gravano and his associates, including Gerard, were arrested for their role in the drug ring, as per a February 24, 2000 report by The Washington Post. Meanwhile, Attwood's operation also collapsed, leading to his arrest and subsequent incarceration.
The documentary combines firsthand accounts from both the Gravano family and Attwood, shedding light on the dangers of the drug trade, the allure of quick wealth, and the devastating consequences of criminal activity. It highlights how greed, ambition, and crime intersected, shaping a dangerous chapter in Arizona’s history.
The Inspiration Behind Sons of Ecstasy
The inspiration for the movie lies in the true story of Arizona's 1990s ecstasy drug trade, where ambition, crime, and subculture collided in a deadly rivalry. Creators Julian P. Hobbs and Elli Hakami, known for impactful documentaries like House of Hammer and Queen of Meth, sought to delve into a unique narrative blending organized crime with the underground rave scene.
The rivalry between Shaun Attwood and Gerard Gravano offered a compelling lens through which to explore this turbulent era. Drawing on firsthand accounts from both factions, Hobbs and Hakami crafted a documentary that captures the greed, betrayal, and danger fueling the ecstasy epidemic.
With Sons of Ecstasy, the filmmakers aim to not only unravel this lesser-known chapter of organized crime but also provide a vivid portrayal of its human impact and cultural backdrop.
Watch Sons of Ecstasy, which is scheduled to be released on January 9, 2025, on Max.
