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As Sarah navigates the unfamiliar streets of Los Angeles, she embarks on a quest for independence, simultaneously enrolling in a fashion and costume design course. Her search for the perfect apartment leads her to a seemingly idyllic neighborhood complex, where she secures a one-bedroom haven amidst 30 like-minded residents. A natural social butterfly, Sarah quickly forms connections with Jerry, the affable manager; Brian, her considerate neighbor; and Edie, an endearing elder. As she settles into her new surroundings, however, the tranquility is disrupted by a relentless cacophony of nighttime noises, rendering her sleep-deprived and lethargic.

With her portfolio deadline looming, Sarah's fatigue-induced forgetfulness costs her dearly, prompting a confidant conversation with Lisa, her sympathetic co-worker. It is during this vulnerable moment that Sarah first encounters the enigmatic Lester, who recommends the book "The Power of Community" by Charles D. Ellerby at a casual barbecue gathering. Though initially polite in her dismissal, Sarah's curiosity is piqued.

One fateful night, as she lies awake, beset by insomnia and the oppressive sounds of her environment, Sarah becomes an unwitting victim of Brian and his cohorts. She awakens to find herself trapped in a sealed room, where Jerry and Brian reveal the shocking truth: their seemingly ordinary apartment complex is, in fact, a cult stronghold. All residents, including her newfound friends, are devout followers, bound by the principles outlined in Ellerby's infamous tome, "The Power of Community." With all lines of communication severed, Sarah realizes she has been chosen as the cult's newest recruit, and her life will never be the same.

As Sarah reluctantly undergoes the excruciating initiation process, a ritual shared by every resident before her, she's handed a copy of The Power of Community and instructed to immerse herself in its teachings. Simultaneously, she's tasked with various obligations, including marrying Lester, monitoring fellow members through surveillance cameras, and catering to the children. Initially resistant to the cult's allure, Sarah gradually succumbs to their promises of belonging and purpose, her initial skepticism giving way to a sense of belonging. Her transformation culminates in the branding ritual, where she's permanently marked with the cult's insignia after passing a lie detector test that verifies her unwavering commitment.

Fast-forward to a later stage, when the cult reopens its doors under the guise of an open house seeking new residents. Sarah is taken aback by the unexpected arrival of her friend Lisa, whom Jerry has chosen as the next recruit. Sarah warns Jerry about Lisa's strong-willed nature, predicting that she'll be a difficult convert to win over. During Lisa's forced initiation, Sarah reveals herself and imparts cautionary words, urging Lisa not to fall prey to the cult's insidious allure. However, Lisa proves more resilient than anticipated, managing to snap Sarah back to her senses. As the reality of their situation sets in, Sarah realizes she must escape the cult's grasp.

In a daring attempt, Sarah and Lisa plot an escape together, but tragedy strikes when Jerry silences Lisa with gunfire. Seizing the opportunity, Sarah wrestles the gun from Jerry and exacts revenge by killing Brian, who tries to intervene. With her captors vanquished, Sarah makes a break for freedom, bursting out of the apartment complex and into the streets. Initially euphoric at her newfound liberty, she's quickly brought back down to earth as she surveys the surrounding landscape. She realizes that every house on the property belongs to CDE residences, with the same logo emblazoned on each façade – a chilling reminder that she'll be hunted by the cult's members once the alarm sounds. With her freedom momentarily in jeopardy, Sarah sets off down the street, driven by an unyielding determination to escape.