My Scientology Movie

Louis Theroux's My Scientology Movie is a fascinating and often astonishing exploration of the Church of Scientology, one of the world’s most mysterious and controversial institutions. Released in 2015 and now available on Amazon, this documentary feature film is an eye-opening examination of the enigma of Scientology, investigating the bizarre rituals and beliefs of its followers, putting several practices under the microscope, and delving deep into the organization's controversial practices and triumphant litigations.

Although Theroux has covered a wide range of peculiar subcultures and groups over his prismatic career, this is his first major full-length feature. Known for his distinctive deadpan style and ability to insert himself into his movies, Theroux takes a bold approach by staging scenes inspired by the alleged experiences of ex-members who claim that the church employs bullying and controlling behavior to keep its followers in line.

The film is largely guided by two key figures. Marty Rathbun, a former high-ranking church official who left in 2004, shares insider information on the church’s operations. He's painted as a complicated figure; he has both a love for the principles of Scientology and a disdain for the corruption that he believes has infiltrated its highest levels. While much of the documentary revolves around Rathbun’s testimonies, at the heart of it all is the quest to meet the church’s enigmatic and elusive leader, David Miscavige.

My Scientology Movie is not just about exposing the church’s rituals, beliefs and practices. It also covers the strange and often hostile reactions Theroux’s team encounters from current Scientology members. There is a plethora of bizarre confrontations, from strange car chases to visits to the film crew’s lodgings by suspicious characters. Intensely watchable, these incidents highlight the confrontational nature of the church, which is known for its aggressive legal strategies.

This documentary adds a unique spin to the genre by incorporating a form of experimental theater. Theroux auditions actors to play high-ranking Scientologists, including Miscavige and celebrity advocate Tom Cruise. These auditions and subsequent reenactments of events contribute to the surreal quality that permeates the film. This approach affords Theroux the opportunity to demonstrate the alleged methods of mental manipulation and control that the church supposedly exercises over its members.

Part investigative journalism and part absurdist theatre, My Scientology Movie provides viewers with an evocative look into the world of Scientology. It conveys an accessible understanding of complex and controversial issues. Through a mix of interview sessions, confrontations, and reenactments, unique insights into the church's practices and its devotees' mindset becomes tantalizingly tangible. But it also paints a chilling, at times unnerving picture of an organization draped in secrecy and controversy.

The structure of the documentary is peculiar and unexpected, reflecting the unpredictability of dealing with the church. Coming to this film with an already established reputation for unflinching interrogations and disarming interviews, Theroux's approach is both ballsy and sensitive. His interactions bring to the fore the human elements behind the headlines, getting under the skin of the bizarre, shocking and sometimes utterly ordinary world of Scientology followers.

A final point of note is the intriguing social commentary that the documentary presents. Besides providing insights into an organization's alleged abuses of power, My Scientology Movie can also be viewed as a musing on faith, submission to authority, and the delicate balance between freedom of religion and potential mental and emotional harm.

When viewed as a whole, My Scientology Movie is a compelling, entertaining and mildly unnerving film that brings audiences into the heart of one of most enigmatic religious movements on the planet. It is a worthy addition to Louis Theroux’s impressive body of work and an engaging watch for those curious about the world of Scientology. While it may not definitively answer all the questions about the organization, it undeniably offers a tantalizing glimpse into its secretive world.