Watch Scientologists at War

Scientologists at War is a documentary film that delves into the murky world of Scientology, an infamous religious organization whose practices have often raised controversies and sparked intense scrutiny over the years. The movie primarily focuses on the schism that emerged within Scientology in 2009, following the departure of a high-ranking member, Marty Rathbun, who used to be a trusted aide to the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, and later his successor, David Miscavige.

The film features extensive interviews with Rathbun, who provides a candid and detailed account of his rise in Scientology, his inner circle role, and his eventual disillusionment with the organization. He exposes the inner workings of Scientology, its tight-knit hierarchy, and its vicious methods of control and punishment. Rathbun's revelations cast Scientology in a harsh light, describing it as a cult that instills fear, manipulation, and brainwashing in its members.

Apart from Rathbun, the movie also includes interviews with several other former Scientologists who describe their experiences of being part of the organization and why they eventually chose to leave. Their stories reveal a pattern of abuse, psychological trauma, and fear that characterize the lives of Scientologists who fall afoul of the leadership or question its methods.

The movie also explores the role of Tom Cruise, one of the most high-profile and devout followers of Scientology. The film examines Cruise's relationship with Scientology and how his celebrity status lends credibility to the organization, despite its controversial practices. The movie features extensive footage of Cruise, both in Scientology promotional videos and in personal interactions with Miscavige and other high-ranking members. It also scrutinizes the way Cruise has been used by Scientology as a tool for propaganda and recruitment.

Overall, Scientologists at War paints a disturbing picture of Scientology, depicting it as a dangerous and cult-like organization that seeks to dominate and control the lives of its members. The film raises profound questions about the nature of religious freedom, the limits of personal autonomy, and the politics of power within religious institutions. It provides a detailed and nuanced view of Scientology, its internal workings, and its practices, shedding light on a subject that has been shrouded in secrecy and controversy for decades.

The documentary is incredibly well researched and thoughtfully crafted, with a careful balance between interviews and archive footage which makes it engaging and informative. It is a disturbing but essential watch for anyone interested in understanding Scientology or the wider phenomenon of religious cults. The documentary is a fascinating insight into the inner workings of cults and the methods they employ to keep their members under their control. It provides a powerful warning about how faith and ideology can be used to manipulate and exploit vulnerable people.

Scientologists at War is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.