Like the novel it was based on, the film generated controversy at the time of its release from evangelical religious groups, who took issue with Rossi exposing fraudulent faith-healing techniques of well-known televangelists.

After playing the lead role in a 1998 Los Angeles play version of the novel Elmer Gantry, Rossi was cast in the lead role of the con man preacher Elmer Gantry in a film remake of the 1960 Academy Award-winning film of the same name, slated to be directed by Amin Q.

The remake was never made, but Rossi began writing his own story of an Elmer Gantryish evangelist in a contemporary setting.

Finally, Billy spots Pary, a woman who he performed psychic readings for earlier, and she invites him back to her place.

Billy, a former preacher, listens to the YouTube sermons of Sister Sara Sunday, a sincere evangelist with a small church.

He builds the church with fake miracles, including a staged resurrection, and gold glitter he claims is from the golden streets of Heaven.

He jaywalks in a tunnel with semi-trailer trucks and stretches out his hands in a death wish, imitating Christ on the cross.

Billy picks up a young prostitute named Angel who turns out to be his daughter whom he abandoned years ago.

Billy dresses in white as a sign of purity and repentance and joins others from Sara's church at the Santa Monica beach.

The film was released in drive-in screenings rather than traditional theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic to qualify for the Academy Awards, and on VOD (Video on demand) on January 5, 2021.

[18] Its West Coast theatrical premiere was a screening at the Marina Del Rey Film Festival, where Rebecca Holden won the Best Supporting Actress award.