Directed by
Zal Batmanglij
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
In the vibrant City of Angels, a fascinating journey unfolds with substitute schoolteacher Peter and aspiring writer Lorna, as they take on the challenge of creating a documentary that delves into the world of a mysterious cult. The enigmatic leader, Maggie, becomes the focal point of their exploration, as they seek to unravel what they believe to be mere fabrications behind her allure.
As they inch closer to uncovering the truth, Peter and Lorna are drawn into the cult’s clandestine practices, which begin with an unusual ritual involving the members undergoing a cleansing shower. Cloaked in pristine white surgical gowns, they are blindfolded and whisked away to an underground hideout, where they meet Klaus and perform a strange, meticulously choreographed handshake. Here, they join a group of eight other members, and Maggie, supported by an oxygen tank, unveils a shocking claim—she insists she is a time-traveler from the year 2054, returning to warn humanity about a bleak future filled with chaos.
With her magnetic presence, Maggie paints a vivid, albeit ominous, picture fraught with war, famine, and a looming catastrophe. This revelation leaves Peter and Lorna trapped in a tug-of-war between skepticism and belief. As Lorna becomes increasingly alarmed by Peter’s growing fascination with Maggie, Peter grapples with his own beliefs, igniting tension within their partnership.
The stakes escalate when Maggie issues a shocking directive for Peter to bring an eccentric eight-year-old student, Abigail Pritchett, to her. Claiming to be Abigail’s mother, she pressures Peter to comply, warning him of dire consequences if he fails. This ultimatum ignites a fierce debate between Peter and Lorna, as she vehemently opposes his compliance with Maggie’s demands.
In a clandestine twist, Carol, a Justice Department agent, approaches Lorna to disclose that Maggie is wanted for various crimes. Choosing to collaborate, Lorna devises a plan to betray Maggie without alerting Peter.
As fate would have it, Peter orchestrates a meeting during a field trip at the LaBrea Tar Pits, intending for Abigail to meet the cult leader. What unfolds resembles a bizarre spectacle as Abigail and Maggie execute the cult’s esoteric handshake with an eerie precision. When Abigail inquires about Maggie’s familiarity with the handshake, the unsettling response echoes, “You taught it to me.”
Just as the tension peaks, law enforcement bursts onto the scene, capturing Maggie and plunging everything into disarray. In the ensuing chaos, Peter’s gaze meets Lorna’s, and a subtle smile on her face hints at her role in this betrayal. As the realizations settle in, Abigail expresses her concern for Peter, prompting him to utter the haunting admission, “I don’t know who she is.” This revelation weighs heavily, as the mystery surrounding Maggie begins to unravel, exposing the sinister motives lurking in the shadows.
Peter and Lorna Initiate Their Documentary
In the vibrant City of Angels, substitute schoolteacher Peter and aspiring writer Lorna begin their journey by deciding to create a documentary about a mysterious cult. Their initial goal is to explore the enigma surrounding its charismatic leader, Maggie.
Discovery of the Cult's Practices
As Peter and Lorna delve deeper, they learn about the cult's unusual rituals. These rituals culminate in a cleansing shower that the cult members undergo while wearing pristine white surgical gowns, an unsettling introduction into their world.
Introduction to Maggie and Her Claims
In their exploration, the duo meets Maggie, who claims to be a time-traveler from the year 2054. She presents a dire warning about war, famine, and a catastrophic future, captivating Peter’s interest but leaving Lorna skeptical.
Cult's Choreographed Ritual
During their involvement with the cult, Peter and Lorna perform a meticulously choreographed handshake with the members. This odd tradition underscores the psychological grip Maggie has over her followers, further entrenching Peter's fascination.
Tension Among Peter and Lorna
As Peter becomes increasingly absorbed in Maggie's teachings, friction arises between him and Lorna. She grows alarmed at his obsession and the potential danger posed by Maggie’s manipulations.
Maggie's Shocking Ultimatum
Maggie demands that Peter bring an eccentric eight-year-old student, Abigail, to her, insisting that she is Abigail's mother. This ultimatum creates a dilemma for Peter, as he contemplates the implications of complying with Maggie's demand.
Conflict Over Compliance
Lorna vehemently opposes Peter's plan to comply with Maggie’s request, leading to heated debates about morality and trust. The pressure mounts as Peter feels torn between his obligations and what he perceives as a dire cause.
Collaboration with Justice Department
In a clandestine meeting, Justice Department agent Carol reveals to Lorna that Maggie is wanted for various crimes. Driven by concern for Peter and Abigail, Lorna agrees to help bring down the cult leader while keeping Peter in the dark.
Field Trip Meeting at LaBrea Tar Pits
Peter arranges a meeting at the LaBrea Tar Pits for Abigail to encounter Maggie. This event becomes a pivotal moment, as it symbolizes Peter's unwillingness to acknowledge the manipulation occurring within the cult.
Handshake Performance
During the meeting, Abigail and Maggie execute the cult's esoteric handshake with chilling precision. When Abigail questions Maggie about their connection, the unsettling response raises further questions about Maggie's influence over the young girl.
Law Enforcement Intervention
As the tension escalates, law enforcement abruptly intervenes, capturing Maggie and throwing the situation into chaos. This moment marks a drastic turning point for Peter and Lorna, forcing them to confront the reality of their situation.
Lorna's Betrayal Revealed
In the chaotic aftermath, Peter locks eyes with Lorna, who wears a subtle smile that unveils her role in the betrayal. This revelation adds layers to their relationship dynamics and leaves Peter questioning the nature of trust.
Abigail's Concern for Peter
While chaos unfolds, Abigail expresses her concern for Peter, hinting at the emotional bond they have formed amidst the unsettling circumstances. This moment amplifies Peter's feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability.
Peter's Haunting Admission
In the wake of Maggie's capture, Peter finds himself grappling with a haunting realization as he admits, 'I don't know who she is.' This statement encapsulates the emotional and psychological turmoil that has engulfed him throughout the ordeal.
Unraveling the Mystery
As the story reaches its conclusion, the mystery surrounding Maggie begins to unravel, exposing sinister motives that had lingered in the shadows. Peter and Lorna must now navigate the aftermath of their harrowing experience and redefine their lives.
Peter (Christopher Denham)
Peter is a dedicated substitute schoolteacher with a curious mind who embarks on a documentary journey. His fascination with Maggie evolves into an internal struggle as he grapples between skepticism and belief. This conflict leads to shifting dynamics in his relationship with Lorna, highlighting his vulnerability.
Lorna (Brit Marling)
Lorna is an aspiring writer who becomes embroiled in the investigation of Maggie's cult. She serves as a voice of reason, cautious of Peter's growing obsession. Her determination to expose the truth showcases her strong principles, especially in the face of impending danger.
Maggie
Maggie is an enigmatic cult leader who captivates those around her with her claims of being a time-traveler. She embodies a complex mix of charisma and danger, manipulating others while projecting an image of dire importance. Her motives remain shrouded in mystery, challenging the beliefs of those who encounter her.
Abigail Pritchett
Abigail is an eccentric eight-year-old girl drawn into the cult dynamics. Her innocence contrasts with the gravity of the situation, as she unwittingly becomes a pawn in Maggie's manipulative schemes. Her bond with Peter exposes deeper emotional stakes as events unfold.
Time period
2054
The film introduces a futuristic backdrop with Maggie claiming to be a time-traveler from the year 2054. This time period is characterized by dire predictions of war, famine, and catastrophe, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The narrative navigates the conflict between skepticism and belief in the face of an uncertain future.
Location
City of Angels, LaBrea Tar Pits
The City of Angels, known for its vibrant culture and entertainment industry, serves as the backdrop for this intriguing narrative. The LaBrea Tar Pits, a famous archaeological site, offers a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past, drawing both locals and tourists alike. This juxtaposition of modern urban life and ancient history sets the stage for Peter and Lorna's exploration into the enigmatic world of a cult.
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Time Travel
The theme of time travel is central to the film, raising questions about fate, consequence, and the human condition. Maggie's assertion of being from a future filled with chaos adds a layer of complexity, forcing characters to confront their own beliefs and motivations. This theme intertwines with the characters' struggles as they seek to unveil the truth behind Maggie's claims.
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Morality
The film delves into the moral dilemmas faced by Peter and Lorna as they navigate their roles within the cult. Peter's internal conflict between loyalty to Maggie and his relationship with Lorna highlights the struggle between right and wrong. The theme of morality is further complicated when legal consequences emerge, forcing characters to reconsider their actions and implications.
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Skepticism
Skepticism underscores the narrative, as Peter and Lorna grapple with their beliefs regarding Maggie's true identity. Their investigation prompts them to question the nature of truth and manipulation. The tension between skepticism and blind faith ultimately shapes their decisions, fueling the plot's intensity and intrigue.
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