Let's Start A Cult

Set in the year 2000, the film explores a time of increasing skepticism toward organized groups and alternative lifestyles. This era also saw the rise of various self-help movements, contributing to a culture ripe for both cult formation and deconstruction. The events unfold against a backdrop of media sensationalism, as new forms of communication bring neglected stories to light.

The movie takes place in various locations across the U.S., including a rural barn where cult members reside and a central compound that serves as a hub for their activities. The barn is described as a makeshift living arrangement, offering little comfort or electricity. The compound ultimately becomes the setting of the group's aspirations and conflicts, marked by its association with both hope and desperation.

🤡 Identity

The theme of identity is central to Chip's journey as he grapples with his past as a cult member and struggles to redefine himself in a world that has changed. His interactions with William and new recruits highlight the conflict between individual agency and the allure of group belonging. As he transitions from follower to leader, Chip's quest for identity underscores the complexities of self-acceptance and transformation.

🚪 Escape

Escape plays a pivotal role in the narrative, both physically and metaphorically. Characters seek to escape their past traumas and the confines of their relationships, particularly Chip as he tries to break free from his former cult life. The quest for freedom culminates in both humorous and dark consequences, illustrating how escape can lead to new beginnings or rekindle old demons.

🎥 Rebirth

Rebirth is exemplified through Chip's transformation and the re-emergence of William as a self-proclaimed leader. The film examines how characters create new beginnings after catastrophic endings, particularly through their ambitions of starting a new cult. This theme is woven into the narrative as they navigate the expectations and realities of reinvention.