MovieChat Forums > 1BR (2020) Discussion > Comparison to Scientology?

Comparison to Scientology?

posted 4 years ago by spacecomedy (2043)
11 replies | jump to latest

The apartment community seemed to have a lot in common with Scientology--charismatic founder, psychological tests and "reprogramming", foundational textbook, forcing residents to sever all contact with those outside the community, acquisition of real estate, and policing each other for potential transgressions.

Anyone else think it might've been referencing Scientology?

Food in Films: Sarah enjoys some Thai food with her gal pal before things get cray-cray and then she's on an all protein shake diet for a while.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

I don't know.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (21457) 4 years ago

There was a lot of things I felt like it drew from. I’m guessing a blend of North Korea and Scientology. The ending gave me an Invasion of the Bodysnatchers vibe.

[–] spacecomedy (2043) 4 years ago

Good call on Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Ending also reminded me of The Invitation which was similarly cult-like.

A few years ago, I read a book about life in North Korea. Now that is a real-life horror movie. I feel terrible for all the people who have to live (and die) in a real world version of Orwell's 1984.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (21457) 4 years ago

I also used to do a lot of reading on NK, past and present. It is bizarre that there is a place like North Korea at this point of time in the world

[–] spacecomedy (2043) 4 years ago

The one I read was "Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea" (Barbara Demick). It was a real eye-opener.

You're right--it's completely bizarre that these regimes can exist at this point in time, but like the movie showed, if you can convince people that there's only one "correct" path, they won't ask questions, won't consider other options, and will inform on anyone who strays. Scary stuff indeed.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

the ending reminded me of the invitation.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

yes

[–] Faridah (1363) 4 years ago

Yes! I’m oddly obsessed with the cult of Scientology. I’ve read many books on the subject and watched many documentaries plus Leah Remini’s show. I felt this played into Scientology a lot. You had the kids watching old vhs tapes of a man teaching the basics, the big book she was given to study, the lie detector tests and isolation from family.

[–] spacecomedy (2043) 4 years ago

Crazy scary stuff.

Thought the movie did a great job of showing how the cult was very systemic in how they cut off members from the outside world.

[–] Faridah (1363) 4 years ago

Yes, the movie did a great job at showing how cults work. So many people claim they wouldn't be stupid enough to join a cult. A cult doesn't announce it's a cult. It makes itself look glamorous and bring you in with lies and promises. Once you are there it may take a long time to see it's a cult and by then it's too late.

[–] spacecomedy (2043) 4 years ago

Exactly. It's not like any cult starts out by announcing they're nutso control freaks. They talk about things like "family" and "connection" and "realizing your full potential" but meanwhile they start cutting out any outside influences that contradict the cult. Eventually, cult members are only talking to other cult members and voila--there's no dissent.