The Master

Freddie Quell, a World War II veteran, returns home only to be haunted by his wartime experiences and struggles with PTSD. His attempts to reintegrate into society prove difficult as he battles his demons and turns to alcohol for solace.

Freddie finds temporary employment as a photographer in a local department store, capturing moments of joy for families. However, his volatile temperament leads to his dismissal after he drunkenly assaults a customer, showcasing his inability to maintain stability.

In an attempt to escape his troubles, Freddie takes a job on a cabbage farm, but his homemade alcoholic concoction turns deadly. After one of his coworkers is poisoned, Freddie is forced to flee, plunging him deeper into a life of drifting.

Freddie's life takes a turn when he drunkenly boards a yacht owned by Lancaster Dodd, the charismatic leader of a new philosophical movement called The Cause. Dodd welcomes Freddie, intrigued by his presence, and invites him to his daughter’s wedding.

Freddie immerses himself in The Cause, where he undergoes a psychological exercise called Processing. This experience forces him to confront painful memories, including the traumas of his family's struggles and his lost love, Doris.

During a dinner party in New York, Freddie reacts violently to criticisms directed at Dodd, revealing his erratic behavior. This incident alarmed the members of The Cause, raising doubts about Freddie's stability and place within their community.

While visiting Philadelphia, Dodd's wife, Peggy, pressures Freddie to quit drinking in order to stay in The Cause. Although he superficially agrees, Freddie has no real intention to change, indicating the unpredictability of his character.

Freddie confronts Dodd's son, Val, about the authenticity of Dodd's teachings. Val reveals that Dodd's principles are not grounded in fact, causing Freddie to question the validity of everything he has dedicated himself to.

As Dodd faces legal issues for practicing medicine without the proper qualifications, he and Freddie end up in jail. Here, Freddie's pent-up rage surfaces, leading to a heated argument with Dodd, further complicating their relationship.

Freddie grows increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the exercises of The Cause. His volatile nature often results in intense confrontations, especially when he feels the teachings are criticized or challenged by others.

In a pivotal exercise, Freddie is challenged to race a motorcycle towards a target. Ultimately, he abandons Dodd and The Cause in the desert, marking a significant turning point in his journey and quest for independence.

Freddie seeks to reconnect with his former love, Doris, in a bid for redemption. However, he discovers that she has moved on with her life, leaving him with a mix of disappointment and the bittersweet realization of their past.

While resting in a theater, Freddie experiences a surreal vision of Dodd calling him to England. Responding to this vision, he travels across the Atlantic, seeking to reestablish his ties with Dodd and The Cause.

Upon reaching England, Freddie is confronted by Dodd's wife, who asserts that Dodd does not wish to change. Dodd ultimately presents Freddie with an ultimatum: commit fully to The Cause or leave for good, forcing Freddie to make a significant decision.

After parting ways with Dodd, Freddie finds fleeting comfort in a casual encounter with a woman at a pub. As they connect, he reflects on the probing questions Dodd once posed, hinting at the inner turmoil that still persists within him.

The film concludes with Freddie lying on the beach next to a sand sculpture of a woman he once had a complicated relationship with. This image encapsulates his tumultuous search for identity, purpose, and reconciliation with his past.