11 HORRIFYING Films About Cults

The moment we’re introduced to the film’s protagonist, Freddie (Joaquin Phoenix), it’s clear that he’s a damaged individual, scarred by an unhappy childhood, his problems exacerbated by his traumatic service in the Navy during World War II.

When Freddie returns to America, he struggles to adjust to normal life due to his erratic behaviour; he flits from job to job and feels he has no purpose.

However, that all changes when Freddie encounters Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour-Hoffman). Dodd is the founder of what he calls a philosophical movement named The Cause - others call it a cult.

Dodd claims to be able to help his followers recollect memories from their past lives; they are promised they will be better, more complete people after going through the process - although Dodd’s methods seem an awful lot like brainwashing.

Freddie is drawn in by Dodd’s charisma, buying wholesale into his teachings and joining Dodd’s entourage as he travels America, spreading the word of The Cause.

It’s unclear at points if Dodd believes his own ideology or is merely a charlatan who uses his position to gain further power and wealth.

Freddie becomes one of Dodd’s most devoted acolytes, and when Dodd’s legitimacy is questioned by the media, Freddie is willing to resort to violence to defend The Cause.