The Church of Scientology is a well-oiled media machine. It deflects attack after attack—most notably those resulting from Leah Remini's reveals—while keeping the mystery (and suspicion) alive. You can't exactly walk up to the pearly gates of the fortress and ask for an interview. So how in the hell do you make a worthwhile documentary about Scientology?
Filmmaker Louis Theroux certainly tried. A new trailer for his Scientology doc was just previewed—the documentary was initially released in 2015, but will receive a theatrical release in the U.S. later this year. In the film, so bluntly called My Scientology Movie, Theroux attempts to get inside in the gates (literally and figuratively), focusing on the myth and legend of infamous leader David Miscavige.
It doesn't look like a celebrity tell-all. It is a reenactment and a casting call and a behind-the-scenes expose and a nose-to-the-ground lead chase in one. It may not be as explosive as the tell-all from Miscavige's father, but My Scientology Movie looks appropriately—and knowingly—ridiculous.
Billy Eichner Will Help You Escape Scientology Like Leah Remini
Scientology is pretty insane. Escaping it, as we've seen through Leah Remini's ordeal, is apparently even more so. But just in case you're looking for a way out, Billy Eichner can prepare you by putting you through his "Leah Remini's Escape from Scientology" obstacle course, like he did with Rachel Dratch on the latest episode Billy on the Street.
The challenges are daunting: sign a billion year contract (a very real thing in the church), save your children from the Sea Org (also real), get married by an alien pastor to Giovanni Ribisi's gay cousin (questionably real), and more. You know, just the usual Scientology stuff.
The challenges are daunting: sign a billion year contract (a very real thing in the church), save your children from the Sea Org (also real), get married by an alien pastor to Giovanni Ribisi's gay cousin (questionably real), and more. You know, just the usual Scientology stuff.
