1BR 2020

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. In her pursuit of the ideal apartment, she stumbles upon a seemingly idyllic neighborhood complex where she secures a charming one-bedroom haven among 30 like-minded residents. A natural social butterfly, Sarah quickly forms bonds with Jerry, the affable manager; Brian, her thoughtful neighbor; and Edie, an endearing elder. However, as she settles into her new surroundings, the tranquility is shattered by a relentless orchestra of nighttime noises, leaving her sleep-deprived and lethargic.

With a looming deadline for her portfolio, Sarah’s fatigue leads to costly forgetfulness, pushing her to engage in a heartfelt conversation with Lisa, her sympathetic co-worker. During this vulnerable exchange, Sarah is introduced to the enigmatic Lester, who casually recommends the book The Power of Community by Charles D. Ellerby at a barbecue gathering. Although she initially dismisses the suggestion politely, her curiosity ignites.

One fateful evening, as insomnia grips her and the oppressive sounds of her environment amplify, Sarah unwittingly becomes a victim of Brian and his associates. She awakens in a sealed room, where Jerry and Brian unveil a shocking truth: their seemingly ordinary apartment complex is actually a cult stronghold. All residents, including her newfound friends, are fervent followers of the principles laid out in Ellerby’s notorious book. With all escape routes cut off, Sarah realizes she has been selected as the cult’s newest recruit, and her life is about to change irrevocably.

Reluctantly undergoing the grueling initiation process—a ritual that each resident before her has endured—Sarah is handed a copy of The Power of Community and directed to delve into its teachings. As she navigates her new responsibilities, which include marrying Lester, observing fellow cult members through surveillance cameras, and caring for children, her initial resistance begins to crumble. Captivated by the promises of belonging and purpose, Sarah’s skepticism wanes, culminating in a branding ritual that marks her with the cult’s insignia after she passes a lie detector test affirming 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 arrival of Lisa, whom Jerry has chosen as the next recruit. Concerned about Lisa’s strong-willed nature, Sarah warns Jerry that she will be a challenge to convert. During Lisa’s forced initiation, Sarah reveals herself and urges Lisa to resist the cult’s insidious charm. Yet, Lisa’s resilience surprises Sarah, ultimately helping her regain clarity.

As the gravity of their situation sets in, Sarah realizes it’s time to escape the cult’s clutches. In a bold move, she and Lisa devise an escape plan, but tragedy strikes when Jerry silences Lisa with gunfire. Seizing the opportunity, Sarah wrestles the gun from Jerry and exacts her revenge on Brian, who attempts to intervene. With her captors dispatched, Sarah bursts out of the apartment complex and into the bustling streets, initially exhilarated by her newfound liberty. However, her joy is short-lived as she soon realizes that every house in sight belongs to CDE residences, each adorned with the same ominous logo—a chilling reminder that the cult’s members will soon hunt her down once the alarm sounds. Driven by an indomitable will to escape, Sarah treads into the night, determined to reclaim her freedom.