7) Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief
Alex Gibney’s incendiary Scientology doc holds particular resonance in Hollywood given the number of actors who’ve publicly embraced the religion, and its ability to paint the religion as deeply sinister and secretive just using the commentary of former members is commendable.
A fascinating study of psychopathology and how cults abuse their members, it’s investigative reporting at its finest. We’ve been using the faith as a punchline for years, but Gibney peels away the public ridicule to unmask something much more serious and scary – a far-reaching expose about a shockingly powerful organization that may well be beyond legal control. I would be shocked if the film didn’t show up in a big way in this year’s awards race.