In which the world’s most dauntless documentary-maker takes on the world’s most litigious religion (we’d call it a cult but we don’t want to get sued). Oscar-winning Alex Gibney is a busy man, which may explain why his exposé of the Scientology movement is based on Lawrence Wright’s 2013 book — Gibney doesn’t have the time to unearth other contributors.
But it’s still a brave move to put the likes of Marty Rathbun and Mike Rinder on camera. They talk about “prison camps” where they claim errant believers are beaten, bullied and used as cheap labour; they discuss the foibles of Tom Cruise, the movement’s most famous exponent.
Throughout the film we’re informed that the Scientologists refute such claims. Yet the most damning words tumble from the lips of true believers. Footage of top man David Miscavige is truly terrifying. Saucer-eyed and maniacally dapper, he presides over glitzy rallies like a man possessed.
Miscavige has faced down the FBI and the IRS; he’s ensured that Scientology’s coffers have never been more full. That said, he hasn’t been able to stop this film getting a release (in London it’s showing at six sites). It was the hot ticket at Sundance, so expect big queues. It’s entertaining, as well as educational, to see an emperor laid bare.
Cert 15, 120 mins
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