I Joined a Cult (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(eerie music)

[Sam] Alice?

(Alice crying)

(eerie music)

[Mary] Samantha.

(eerie music)

[Alice] Sam.

(tense music)

Sam, help me.

(tense eerie music)

Help.

Alice?

[Alice] Help me.

Help me, Sam.

[Mary] Coming.

Alice, is that you?

[Mary] Help Alice.

Help her.

(tense music)

(door squeaking open)

[Sam] Alice?

(eerie music)

(static scratching)

When people play back this tape

and ask,

"Why would all these people

just k*ll themselves?"

Well, we're all choosing this path,

this mission,

of our own free-will.

We will depart this

planet on our own terms,

this isn't a troubling circumstance,

don't take it that way.

Just think of it as passing

through a doorway,

when you go from one room to another,

you're still the same person,

and you still have the same mind,

and spirit, we're just

passing through a doorway.

And one day,

I hope you'll join us,

I hope one day,

you can be as fortunate,

and happy as we are.

(keyboard button clicking)

My name is Sam,

and I am not a cult member,

not yet, anyway.

As an aspiring investigative journalist,

I've been researching cult behavior

for about three-years now,

watching every interview I can find

from members of various cults,

reading every survivor-written book,

and going down countless cult-form

internet rabbit holes.

One cult I discovered

is a Paganistic spiritual group

led by a man who goes by the name "Aticus".

The cult has been able to stay

off the media radar so far,

because they're very small,

as far as I can tell,

and only one recording of them

exists on the internet,

from a recruitment event years ago.

I've decided to go on

a life-changing journey,

least I suspect it will be,

I'll be joining the cult.

(Sam chuckling)

Now, they're a group bound together

in the belief that they can interact

with ghosts or "spirits"

as they refer to them,

and it may sound like a run-of-the-mill

neo-pagan-sect,

but, certain mystique has pervaded

what little online chatter

exists about the cult,

so I am intrigued.

I suspect that some members joined

out of infatuation with the cultism,

and others,

perhaps more vulnerable emotionally,

saw it a connection with

a loved one who died,

which is somewhat fateful,

because I originally intended

to embark on this investigation,

alongside someone very close to me,

who passed away.

(video beeping)

You rolling?

[Dan] yeah.

Hi, I'm Sam,

and I'm holding an original newspaper print

of JFK getting...

(Sam imitating g*nsh*t sound)

It's the most important news story

of the last century.

(Sam sighing)

Gary, come here.

No, I am holding the most important

news story of the last century,

the original Watergate Expose papers

written by Woodward

and Bernstein,

and it is signed by them too.

So, I guess you could say

we're journalism nerds.

Big time,

and just like our heroes,

we'll be doing our own

investigation very soon,

stay tuned.

Dan here, signing off.

Gary and I were kindred spirits,

we would stay up late at night

discussing the latest scandals,

or joke about conspiracy theories.

We wanted to make a name for ourselves,

investigating the mysteries

of the world around us,

so we intended to join a cult,

and film an expos,

but things didn't go as planned.

Is it working?

(video beeping)

I think so,

Dan said he charged the batteries.

Oh, I see the little red light's blinking,

I think that means it's working, right?

Yeah, we're good.

Cool.

(video beeping)

Gary and Sam checking in,

and we're on route to a cult-awareness

group seminar,

in preparation of our upcoming infiltration

of the Cult of Aticus.

(car screeching)

No, no,

no, no, no.

So, I guess you didn't put air

in that tire I warned you about

the other day?

No, I was waiting until Monday

to get the transmitters fixed too.

[Gary] Transmitters?

Trans-

Mission?

Just pull over up at that spot over there.

(car rattling)

You have a spare tire, right?

[Sam] Yeah, in the trunk.

(keys clinking)

Well?

I've gotta do it?

I mean, you're the one

with all this car knowledge,

and stuff.

What, 'cause I'm a guy,

and I know the word "transmission"?

[Sam] Just get it over with.

You know, I could teach you, right?

Come on, we're gonna be late. Go.

(car honking)

(car screeching)

(eerie music)

(Sam breathing deeply)

(eerie music)

(seat belt clicking)

(car door clicking)

Gary! Gary!

(eerie music)

Now, two-years later,

I'm planning my thesis

for my journalism MFA,

and Dan convinced me to-

[Dan] No, no,

no-no, no-no.

Don't blame it on me.

What?

[Dan] I told you not to do it.

When I was talking

about options for my thesis,

your exact words were,

"Remember when you

and Gary had that idea to join a cult?"

[Dan] I said,

"Remember when you

and Gary had that dumb idea?"

"Dumb idea."

I was mocking you,

because I remembered the dumb idea,

you and Gary had.

You've had your 15-seconds of fame,

back behind the camera now.

(footsteps thumping)

(Sam sighing)

Going into this experiment,

it's important to understand

how cults operate,

when you're in the moment,

and you don't have the time

to logically scrutinize the deception

from the reality,

you become vulnerable to believing,

especially if you're someone who,

deep down really wants to believe.

So, I bought a bunch

of hidden cameras online

that are embedded in objects,

in which I'll hide in the nooks

and shelves at the cult house.

For example,

this may look like an ordinary,

old dusty book that a creepy cult

would have hiding on their shelf,

but ta-da!

It's a hidden-camera.

(Sam chuckling)

Oh, here's a camera

hidden inside a USB charger.

A candle.

I put a hidden-camera inside my backpack,

and I even put a hidden-camera

in this plastic plant.

[Dan] You don't think

someone's gonna notice

a plastic plant show up on their shelf?

Is this one too obvious?

[Dan] Uh, yeah.

Oh well.

And next, a custom-made masterpiece

that cost me a small fortune,

Gary's old hat has been upgraded

to add a hidden-camera on the front,

and one facing back to me.

One day in

and out, hopefully no one will notice.

And we're doing a cam-test tonight?

sh*t, I forgot to text Jen.

Did you ask Rich?

Yeah, he's coming.

Okay.

(static scratching)

Religious spiritual systems of beliefs,

yet many of the underlying

individual beliefs are similar,

many people choose not to believe

in the afterlife,

and that's fine,

I'm not here to force my beliefs on anyone,

but my question is,

if you do believe in the afterlife,

then don't you,

by default, believe in spirits?

And if there are spirits around us,

then why can't we communicate with them?

Yes?

Oh, boy.

Here we go.

So, you're telling me

that there's ghosts flying

all around this room right now,

like it's Halloween,

and you've got some magical

wizard powers to see them?

(Sam laughing)

Get a load of this guy.

Magical wizard powers.

Let me ask you a question.

[Audience Member] sh**t.

Can you name for me,

one religion that

doesn't believe in spirits?

Oof. Shot down.

Genius. Pure genius.

Do you believe in an afterlife?

I mean, I believe in Heaven,

I believe in Jesus.

So, then you believe in the Holy Spirit.

And do spirits,

or metaphysical beings

exist in that afterlife,

in Heaven?

I believe our souls go there.

You see, we are in agreement, friend.

You either believe in spirits,

in souls, or you don't,

and most people do believe.

Obviously.

[Aticus] Then why are you so certain

you have to wait until the afterlife

to communicate with them?

Whatever.

Now, to those of you

who are interested in what I have to teach,

I can't promise you

that you'll make a connection

with your dead loved ones,

but I can promise you,

that there are spirits all around us,

spirits with unfinished business

inhabiting our world,

and I can tell you,

that I have made contact with them.

(Sam chuckling)

[Dan] So stupid.

I wanna help them,

and I wanna find others

to join this mission.

What a guy.

(Sam chuckling)

Yes?

Can you describe what

the experience was like,

making contact with the spirit world

for the first time?

Just as a caterpillar forms a cocoon-

Wow.

[Aticus] And enters metamorphosis

to become a butterfly-

[Dan] What?

So will the aura

of your surroundings, transform.

There's a spiritual,

dimensional layer around us at all times,

and with practice,

and patience, you become attuned

to interacting with it.

Blah-blah-blah.

Don't you think it's funny

how cult leaders always have goofy names?

I don't know.

I think it'd be weirder

if you were devoting your undying trust

towards someone named "Bob".

And there's Bob now.

Is there any danger in

reaching out to ghosts?

Some people are monsters.

Serial K*llers, rapists,

serial k*ller rapists,

aren't there ghosts just as evil too?

No, I don't believe that there is a risk.

While we do enter their spiritual plane

so-to-speak,

in order to help,

there are already,

in our everyday lives,

spirits all around us,

so I don't believe that they can bring us

any greater harm during

an invocation ceremony,

than they already

can in our daily life, no.

(door knocking)

Are there...

(TV beeping)

(couch squeaking)

(feet shuffling)

(door clicking)

Hi.

[Sam] Hey.

(handbag squeaking)

Hi, Dan.

[Dan] Hey, hey.

Whoa!

Oh my God,

you scared me.

Right here.

[Dan] Don't get spooked yet,

save it for the Ouija board.

Ouija board?

I haven't done one of

those since high school.

Hey Sam, what's up?

[Sam] Hey.

[Jen] Save some of that for me.

Hey, Jen.

[Jen] How are you?

Good, how are you doing?

Good.

Thanks, my favorite.

Hey man, what's up?

[Dan] We're gonna do

some spooky ghost sh*t.

Yeah? Is this for

Sam's journalism project?

[Dan] Yeah, we're gonna test out

the hidden cameras,

see how they look.

Okay, and Ouija board?

[Dan] We just needed something spooky

to sh**t for the camera test,

that's the best we came up with.

Okay.

[Dan] Sam, you're drinking tonight?

[Sam] Yeah.

[Dan] Hmm, okay.

Yeah.

It's just, you know,

doesn't go well with your medication.

I forgot to take them.

(camera beeping)

(Sam sighing)

(Sam slurping drink)

Okay, let's go.

Um Jen, you wanna lead us

since you've done this before?

Yeah, I got you.

Okay. Everyone, close your eyes.

Oh spirits who haunt

this apartment complex,

can you hear us?

Uh, how are we supposed to know

what it says if our eyes are closed?

Oh, yeah.

I thought you said you did this before.

Yeah, in high school.

(Rich scoffing)

Yes, it is.

(Jen gasping)

That means there's ghosts in here, guys.

(group laughing together)

(Jen gasping)

All right, next question.

You want us to close our eyes again?

No.

Go ahead, Jen.

Okay.

Oh spirit, are you a friendly ghost?

Well, it still says "yes".

I'll take that as a good sign.

(Jen sighing)

Okay. Oh spirit,

what is your name?

(planchette shuffling)

"G".

(planchette shuffling)

"A".

(planchette shuffling)

"R".

(planchette shuffling)

(ominous bell tolling)

(eerie music)

Which one of you f*cking assholes

thinks this is funny? Huh?

Sam, I would never. Never.

(ominous music)

Hey.

[Dan] Sam, take a deep breath.

You guys know me better than this,

I wouldn't...

[Dan] Relax. Relax, Sam.

(can clinking)

Jesus, Sam!

Get out.

Everybody get the f*ck out!

(ominous music)

(static scratching)

(ominous music)

What are you doing?

[Dan] Hold on a sec.

(footsteps thumping)

Did you set that up for you?

You do realize this is

my thesis project, right?

I'm giving you an option to cut away to.

To cut away to you?

You want your closeup, Hollywood Dan?

(Dan scoffing)

So, still upset about last night, huh?

What do you think?

What do you really think happened?

What do you mean?

I mean, do you think me or Jen,

or Rich would do that to you?

Spell our Gary's name on a Ouija board?

We all know how much her meant to you.

(Sam scoffing)

I don't know what you expect me to say,

"Maybe it was really Gary's ghost

trying to communicate with me

through some crappy Walmart Ouija board?"

That, or maybe you really miss him,

and you did it subconsciously?

Wait, are you saying it was Gary's ghost,

or are you psychoanalyzing me?

I don't know.

I don't know.

Let's just change the subject.

(background sirens wailing)

So uh, who's this guy

you've been talking to behind my back?

Oh my God,

do you know how insecure

you sound right now?

I kissed you like once while I was drunk,

months ago,

I'm not dating you.

Ouch. You know you're crazy, right?

I mean, not just breaking the TV,

and yelling at our friends,

but going from psycho b*tch,

to laughing at all my jokes,

to talking sh*t about me?

Can't use being bipolar as an excuse

to act like an as*h*le all the time.

Wow, very ableist of you.

You think people actually talk like that

when they're not on Twitter?

(Sam scoffing)

All right, all right,

all right.

Look, I don't know what

happened last night,

and I reacted like a b*tch.

Like a complete b*tch.

(Sam scoffing)

It was the drinks.

I drank too much.

Hey, why didn't you remind me not to drink?

Hey, just take it easy, okay?

Back to where we were.

Back to where we were.

For the purposes of

documenting your journey,

who's this guy you're talking to?

Aticus' cult doesn't

actively recruit anymore.

You remember that video

we watched last night?

Well, that was their only

known recruitment event,

so their lack of presence makes them

hard to get in touch with.

But, I contacted the guy

who uploaded the video, Jason.

I kept messaging

and messaging,

and messaging,

time and time again until voila,

he agreed to let me join.

You skipped the part

about how you convinced him?

What? I sent him a selfie.

Mm-hmm.

Use what God gave ya.

Let me ask you something Sam,

what do you expect to find there?

And what if you're walking into a situation

that you can't walk away from?

Cults generally operate

in the same manner.

One, love bombing,

once you join,

you'll be praised,

called "brave",

and showered with positive attention.

Two, promise of a prize,

you're teased with the ability

to attain special powers,

levitation, speaking to the dead,

you name it,

so long as you follow

their dear leader's every words.

Once you claim you want the prize,

they have you hooked.

Three, elimination of individual identity,

you must follow their rules,

do as they do,

think as they think,

or you can't have your precious prize.

And four, complete assimilation,

once you're a clone

with unquestioning belief,

that's when you're

granted access to the prize.

The privilege of participating

in the most special,

and sacred rituals.

I'm in it for the prize,

and the power to,

summon the spirits.

(Sam chuckling)

So, I'll be a good little sheep,

become quickly accepted,

document their rituals,

find out what weird sh*t they're up to,

and then flee with all the necessary

Intel I need for my thesis.

See? I've got it all figured out.

(phone buzzing)

Hey, Jason.

(camera beeping)

[Dan] What's that?

They said to bring a memento,

of a loved one you wanna contact,

so I brought a photo.

Photo of who?

(car engine humming)

You okay?

(glasses clicking)

Yeah, I'm fine.

Sam, what's going on?

Nothing.

What do you mean "nothing"?

Tell me what's going on with you?

It's just,

they asked about Gary.

What?

What do you mean they asked about Gary?

They knew Gary's name?

Yeah.

They asked if I'd be bringing a memento

of a dead friend I wanted to contact.

Did they say,

"A dead friend," or "Gary"?

Jason said,

Aticus asked if I'd be bringing a memento

of my dead friend, Gary.

He said "Gary"?

Yes.

He knew Gary's name?

Yes.

You're sure?

I think so.

I mean, the call was a little muffled,

but I was-

Oh okay, so now you think so.

All right, look,

I know you loved Gary,

but don't let them

leverage you emotionally.

Why are you talking

to me like I'm a child?

You know what?

Just shut up,

I can't deal with this right now.

Thank you.

Hey, Gary was my friend too, okay?

Don't act like you're the only one hurt

by his death.

You weren't there, it's different.

Oh, so that means that I can't feel sad

that he's gone too?

You didn't watch him

die right in front of you.

So, please stop talking,

you're being really annoying right now.

(ominous music)

I'm calling this off.

(Sam scoffing)

No.

I can't let you join

a cult for your expos

if you're already believing their bullshit.

I don't believe it,

when did I say I believe it?

I just wanna know how

they found out about Gary,

that's all.

I feel like this is my last chance

to stop you from doing

something really stupid.

(ominous music)

What the hell are you doing?

A U-turn.

I'm taking you home.

Pull over.

(ominous music)

(handbrake clicking)

(ominous music)

Listen to me,

what I'm about to do is my choice,

not yours.

I'm not taking you.

(truck honking)

(Sam hyperventilating)

(ominous music)

You can be the one to drop me off,

or I'll get a Rideshare.

(ominous music)

(static scratching)

(car engine humming softly)

(seat belt clicking)

Hey. Hey, I um...

I don't want us parting with bad vibes,

you know, in case they chop ya up,

and I never see ya again.

(Sam scoffing)

Thanks. I guess.

Look, I know I act like an as*h*le,

all the time,

I don't mean to.

You're not gonna get mad at me

if I ask whether or not

you took your meds today, are you?

No.

I mean, no I'm not gonna get mad.

And?

And no, I forgot to take them,

hence, I'm an insufferable b*tch.

(Dan scoffing)

Well, at least you're

my insufferable b*tch.

(Dan chuckling)

I mean, as a friend of course.

I know you're going through a lot

with this project,

and memories of Gary

are rushing back to you,

just call me if you need anything, okay?

Thanks.

But, I'll be all right.

(car door clicking open)

(car door clicking shut)

(Dan sighing)

(car keys clicking)

(car engine humming)

(footsteps shuffling)

(birds cawing)

(ominous music)

(door knocking)

(door clicking)

Hey, Sam?

Jason?

That's me.

Come in.

(birds cawing)

Hey guys, Sam's here.

(door squeaking closed)

Alice? Oh, my God.

(ominous music)

[Vanessa] Alice?

Hi, my name is Sam.

(ominous music)

[Jason] Do you think they look similar?

What do you mean?

She looks identical.

Don't you remember how Alice was back then?

Well, my first day here was when Alice...

I don't remember how she used to be.

Oh. Alice, it's a sign.

It's a sign.

Thank God, thank you for coming.

[Charles] Jason.

Come with me.

(ominous music)

I'm sorry about that.

I'm Charles.

No. No, it's okay.

Good to meet you.

This is gonna sound very bizarre,

but you look nearly identical

to one of our sisters of the cause,

Vanessa's dearest friend, Alice.

Yeah, I could see

how that would be jarring to her.

Well, Vanessa was very close to her,

I was too.

I have to admit,

it's very emotional for me to see you here,

looking nearly like her twin.

The resemblance is uncanny,

but in a good way.

Fate has brought you to us.

(ominous music)

It's okay, I could see myself

reacting the same way if I was you know,

in her position.

(ominous music)

All right.

(Jason sighing)

Sorry about that,

Alice was...

Well, you'll find out,

I'll let Aticus tell you.

Between you

and me, I'm trying not to be

too freaked out right now.

Look, don't over think it,

this will all make sense, trust me.

I'm glad you're here,

Vanessa is too,

we're all excited to have you here,

it takes a brave person to join our cause.

Is she okay?

I'm gonna make Vanessa tea,

to calm her down.

(eerie music)

Come with me,

I'll show you where you can put your stuff.

(floor creaking)

Right this way.

(floor creaking)

That's Aticus' office.

And that's your room.

Get settled, I'll catch

up with you in a bit.

Thanks.

(door clicking open)

(bag shuffling)

(tense music)

(bag shuffling)

(tense music)

(bag shuffling)

(tense music)

(door clicking open)

(door squeaking)

(door clicking shut)

(camera shuffling)

(tense drum music)

(footsteps shuffling)

Whoa! Hey, what's up?

Sorry, I was just uh,

looking for you.

Oh.

Let me help.

Thanks.

Right here.

What is this for?

When you cross over

to the spiritual plane,

the salt creates a barrier,

a purified area to protect you

in case you come in contact

with a malicious spirit.

Have you ever,

you know, seen one?

You have a lot to catch up on.

What's this for?

It's a ceremonial burner

we use during invocations,

we place a personal memento of the spirit

inside the burner,

then light it on fire with a match.

Personal memento?

Like a photo, right?

Sure, that works.

Did you bring a photo of your dead friend?

You wanna make contact with him, right?

Yeah.

Great. I should warn you,

it's probably not going to happen tonight,

because you have a lot to learn still,

but if you earn your place with us?

It will happen soon, I promise.

Okay.

Anyway, I think it's time

for you to meet Aticus.

Why don't you head up to his office?

(ominous music)

(door knocking)

(ominous music)

[Sam] Hi.

Come in, sit.

[Sam] Thank you.

[Aticus] Is it Samantha?

Yes, Sam is fine.

I'm Aticus.

[Sam] It's nice to meet you.

Time will tell.

A good drink will do you well.

This is our holy sacrament,

it facilitates bonding with the spirits.

Thanks.

[Aticus] You've lost a loved one.

(Sam coughing)

Yeah, I'm wearing his hat now,

the only time I take

it off is when I sleep.

If you came here for answers about Gary,

my only reply is,

you'll have to find out

for yourself in due time.

Jason tells me that you've seen my video.

Yes, I did.

In the video,

you seemed eager to recruit,

but it was tricky contacting you guys.

I used to be under the impression

that there was no danger in our work,

that spirits couldn't hurt us,

now I understand that there is a risk,

there are malicious

spirits that can do us harm.

How so?

[Aticus] One of our sisters of the cause,

Alice, became possessed,

is possessed,

by a malevolent spirit named "Mary".

Deep down, I knew that Alice wasn't ready

to participate in Mary's

invocation ceremony,

and when Alice crossed the salt

into the spirit world,

she became vulnerable,

and fell victim to possession.

(eerie music)

(static scratching)

(ominous music)

(tense music)

I know how this must look to an outsider,

to someone who hasn't

witnessed what we have,

but I can assure you,

Alice is not our c*ptive.

Here is Alice's medical paperwork,

one of the best psychologists in the state

has diagnosed her with psychosis,

an Intermittent expl*sive Disorder,

her symptoms are predispositioned

to fits of violent rage,

and self-harm,

lacking any sense of self-preservation.

(Aticus scoffing)

That's the best explanation

our medical experts could come up with,

she would be popping pills all day

if the doctors had their way.

And we know that the only thing

that can save Alice now,

is the cleansing of Mary's spirit.

Vanessa is a registered nurse,

she provides the finest care

Alice could hope for,

so she remains here with us,

in the room at the far end of the hall,

while we do our best to exorcize

Mary's spirit from her body.

(ominous music)

You don't take my word?

No, sorry.

Of course I do.

You know, I'm telling you

all of this for one reason,

I don't believe in coincidences,

you look just like she did once,

that's the only reason

that you're sitting here,

in front of me now.

Maybe you were drawn here to help Alice.

I hope I can help.

Now, if you do wish to join us,

and if you earn your place,

you will learn our ways,

you will speak to the spirits,

and you will work hard

to help set them free

from whatever affliction

binds them to our world.

How we operate now

is with an inherent safety in mind,

no mistakes.

I understand.

You must not question me,

because I will not live to see

any of our brothers or sisters be harmed

the way our dear Alice was.

(eerie music)

Ever again.

(eerie music)

(door clicking shut)

(Sam sighing)

(ominous music)

(salt crunching)

[Jason] Hey.

Sam, are you all right?

I saw Alice.

Were you there?

When she was possessed?

No, Aticus used to tape the ceremonies

for recruitment purposes.

You saw the tape of the possession?

It was horrifying.

And yet, it made me appreciate

how important our work is.

This is a lot to take in right now.

I get it,

why don't you head back to your room

and rest for a little while?

I need to finish setting up

for our opening ceremony.

Can I join?

The ceremony?

Aticus might let you attend.

That'd be great.

Hey, I said "might",

as in "maybe".

I'll ask him.

Thanks.

(eerie music)

(door clicking open)

(eerie music)

(Sam breathing deeply)

(door latch clicking)

(door shutting closed)

(tense music)

Please help.

Help set me free.

Oh, my God.

Did they tell you I'm possessed or crazy?

I'm not, they're lunatics.

You believe me, right?

(Alice hyperventilating)

Right?

[Vanessa] Hello?

(door clicking shut)

(ominous music)

(door clicking open)

(door clicking shut)

(Sam sighing)

(footsteps shuffling)

(phone dial tone ringing)

[Dan] Hey, Sam?

Dan! Dan, thank God!

[Dan] Sam, what's going on?

Are you okay?

I'm trying to play it cool,

but this place is creeping me out.

They have a woman locked up here,

and Aticus says she's possessed,

or has psychosis, or something.

But, she asked me to help her escape.

[Dan] Wait, what?

Look Sam, you need to

get out of there right now.

No, wait-wait,

wait-wait-wait.

Jason told me he saw

the tape of her possession,

I have to watch it,

I have to see what happened.

[Dan] You're f*cking crazy,

you know that?

I can't leave you in there to get locked-up

in a dungeon or some sh*t.

I'm calling the cops.

No, wait.

I'm just here until sunrise,

pick me up in the morning,

if you don't hear from me by then,

call the cops.

[Dan] By then,

you might not be breathing anymore.

I'll be fine.

[Dan] Let me get this straight,

you wanna stay in...

You wanna stay in a cult compound

where they're locking women up?

Just for one day.

Look, I'll call you,

and keep you updated

whenever I get a free chance, all right?

[Dan] I better get updates from you,

or I will be coming in there.

(door knocking)

(ominous music)

(door clicking open)

Hey.

Hey.

Aticus says you can sit in

on the opening ceremony,

he says it will be an

opportunity to build trust.

That's great.

You seem a little on-edge.

(Sam breathing deeply)

Uh, yeah.

Yeah, just excited.

(ominous music)

Cool. Come on out,

we'll be starting soon.

[Sam] Okay.

(eerie music)

(door clicking shut)

(liquid burbling)

Aticus, the sacrament.

Thank you, Charles.

(soft ominous music)

(sharp eerie music)

(Sam gulping)

(ominous music)

(Sam breathing deeply)

(ominous music)

(Jason slurping)

(bells tinkling)

(ominous music)

(Charles slurping)

(ominous music)

(Vanessa slurping)

(bowl tapping counter)

(soft ominous music)

Now, let's close our eyes.

(ominous music)

Our dear, dear Alice,

may the light of goodness be your refuge

and strength,

an ever-present nourishment

from the darkness that binds you to Mary.

Therefore, do not fear,

though the earth may give way,

and the mountains may crumble

to the heart of the sea,

though the waters may rage,

and the mountains quake

where they're surging.

(ominous music)

And to you Mary,

Alice's cries

are the righteous cries of innocence,

cries for salvation.

(ominous music)

But for you Mary,

we too wish peace,

and though the darkness in your spirit

fights to live on,

to haunt

and torment our dear Alice,

you will only find salvation

and equanimity when

you pass on from this world.

We will grant your soul reprieve,

and allow Alice home into our family.

Let it be so.

(soft ominous music)

(sharp eerie music)

You will be okay.

Okay.

(deep eerie music)

[Aticus] Keep your eyes closed.

Focus on the energy in the room.

Spirits, we offer our sister Vanessa

as a vessel for communication,

we ask that you share

your voice through her,

so that we may help free you

from the affliction that

binds you to this world.

We bid you to join us in this ceremony.

[Group] Join us.

Join us.

(tense ominous music)

I can hear.

I hear them.

I feel them.

They reach for me.

Lifting me towards the heavens.

There're so many.

(tense music)

So many that need us.

See their faces?

The faces,

they're all obscured, fading.

(tense music)

They're...

They're crying out for help!

[Aticus] Focus. Focus.

Can you see Alice?

[Vanessa] She's still here,

she's still with us.

I can hear Alice,

she says she's holding on.

[Aticus] Do you see Mary?

[Vanessa] I don't.

I can't.

For I feel her.

Oh God, I feel her,

and it's awful.

Wait, I see Mary now.

Her eyes are bloodied,

her smile is so vicious.

(tense ominous music)

She stands there!

Oh, my God.

(Sam hyperventilating)

[Vanessa] They let go.

How did her presence feel?

Alice's spirit felt strong,

even though Mary still haunts her.

All right.

All right, I'm gonna

take that as a good sign.

Alice has strong energy,

we must hold a prayer ceremony,

to give Alice strength.

And tonight, we will try,

we will do our best to exorcize

Mary's spirit from her body.

(tense music)

You did good, mostly.

We'll get there.

(tense music)

Thanks.

(incoherent mumbling)

(footsteps shuffling)

(tense music)

(door clicking open)

(tense music)

(camera beeping)

(tense music)

(case tapping counter)

(case clicking open)

(disc clicking free)

(case tapping counter)

(tense music)

(DVD player clicking)

(tense music)

Mary, we are gathered on this night

to lay your spirit to rest,

to relinquish the suffering

that binds your soul to this world,

we say to you,

let us serve you,

so that we may lead you to peace,

I will cross the salt

and join you now.

Alice.

She called.

[Charles] Alice.

[Aticus] Alice, sit!

I will see to it that Mary finds peace.

She calls.

She calls me.

She needs my help.

(Alice hyperventilating)

(static scratching)

Come on.

Come on.

[Charles] Alice.

[Aticus] Get the flashlight!

(Sam breathing deeply)

Alice. Alice, can you hear me?

It's Aticus, my love.

(tense music)

Hi Aticus, it's Mary.

Alice is gone,

thank you for inviting me.

(eerie music)

(Sam gasping)

This isn't real.

I'm imagining this.

(ominous music)

(disc cover clicking shut)

(Sam breathing deeply)

(door clicking open)

(door clicking shut)

(door lock clicking)

(bed scrunching)

(Sam breathing deeply)

(phone dial tone ringing)

[Dan] Sam, are you-

Dan, I'm fine.

I'm fine.

You won't believe what I saw.

[Dan] What?

I saw Alice's tape,

it looks real.

[Dan] Sam, don't start

believing in that bull-

Shh! I'm telling you,

it looked like a real possession.

[Dan] Are you drunk?

At the ceremony,

we all drank this disgusting liquid,

it could've been drugged,

I don't know if it's influencing

what I saw or not.

[Dan] Well, you're safe, right?

You're not in any immediate danger?

No. No, I'm okay.

I'm okay.

The group, they trust me now,

like I'm one of them.

[Dan] You're one of them?

I mean, they think I'm one of them.

It's all going as planned,

like we talked about.

Dan?

[Dan] I was just thinking

how much I'd regret it

if I didn't come get you right now.

If you do,

I'll never forgive you, ever.

I am onto something here,

and this is gonna make

an incredible expos,

I mean it could launch

my journalism career.

Look, I need you to be

someone I can depend on.

I mean, I wanna feel that way about you.

All right?

[Dan] I know you're stringing me along,

you think you're good at playing me,

that's fine, I'm fine with that.

But this time,

I'm worried you're playing yourself.

I just hope you're ready to live

with whatever happens in there tonight.

Thanks...

(phone beeping)

Dan.

(Sam sighing)

(Sam sniffing)

(Sam sighing)

(static scratching)

[Aticus] It's time to begin

the induction ceremony.

You know, when I first started recruiting

like-minded members to join our cause,

I was eager,

younger, more energetic,

handsome.

(tense music)

But I was also naive

about the dangers in our work,

I've since learned that it takes devotion,

every little finger,

toe, every laugh,

cry, and thought,

must be controlled.

We have no room for errors Sam,

you must listen without fault,

and do what you're told.

Listen carefully,

we're gonna have an officiating ceremony

to bring you in,

if you feel any

discomforting thoughts at all,

I'm gonna need you

to leave this house immediately,

we do not have room for someone

that wants to act as an individual,

we do not have room for

that kind of selfishness.

We need to have an understanding,

a soul-bonding between us.

So, if you have any doubts

during the ceremony,

that's fine,

but you're gonna need to speak up,

because after the ceremony,

you're one of us.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Charles, are we ready?

Samantha, before we proceed,

do you understand,

once this ceremony concludes,

there will be no going back?

There are rules that you must follow

if you wish to join us,

so I ask you,

can you follow my instruction

without adding your own interpretation?

Yes.

Will you have the restraint

to remain composed in

moments of great tension?

Yes.

Will you avoid indulging

in private thoughts

that you are unwilling to share with me?

[Sam] Yes.

Will you do whatever I want?

Whenever I want you to?

However I want you to?

[Aticus Echo] However I want you to.

However I want you.

(indistinguishable echoing)

[Aticus Echo] However I want you to.

Samantha!

Sorry, what?

I said, will you do what is asked of you?

How it is asked of you?

To maintain safety in ceremony.

Yes. Yes, of course.

Sorry.

It's all right,

this is a big moment for you.

I see how it could feel overwhelming.

Charles.

(tense music)

(Sam inhaling sharply)

(Sam breathing deeply)

(ominous music)

The second bowl that we share,

forms a bond of blood,

we welcome Samantha into our family.

(soft tense music)

Drink.

(soft ominous music)

(Sam coughing)

Samantha, welcome.

(soft ominous music)

Charles, Vanessa,

let's visit Alice.

(footsteps shuffling)

(Sam coughing)

You okay?

Yeah. Yeah, it's just,

geez, how do you guys

drink so much of that stuff?

You'll get used to it.

I built up a tolerance with time.

And do all the rules Aticus talked about

in the ceremony...

(Sam chuckling)

You know, don't indulge

in any private thoughts?

Doesn't it feel a little too rigid?

The rules don't restrict us,

you could say,

it frees us.

Why? Are you having second thoughts

about joining us?

No, I just um,

was making conversation.

Come, you can join now.

(tense music)

Alice, my love,

tonight I will return you

to how you once were,

my sweet, well-behaved little angel

who always has a smile for me.

Let me go!

Let me out of here you g*dd*mn psycho!

[Aticus] Charles, the blessed water?

[Charles] Alice, we care for you deeply.

I hope you understand

this is for your own good.

(Alice wailing)

(tense music)

(Alice wailing)

[Aticus] My dear, I will purify the evil

from within you.

(Alice crying)

(Alice screaming)

Stop. You're hurting her.

(tense music)

I'm sorry, it's just...

Your heart is in the right place.

(tense music)

Help me.

Help me.

Help me, Sam.

Save me.

How does she know your name?

We could be putting Samantha in danger

if Mary is seeking a new host to possess.

We have to perform the exorcism tonight,

it's our best chance

at saving Alice's soul.

(tense music)

(door clicking shut)

(tense music)

It's gonna be okay.

(tense music)

Earlier today,

Aticus told me that Alice

has a mental illness?

A violent psychosis or something?

Is it true?

Have you ever seen her act violently?

Didn't you see the medical paper?

Aticus said he showed you.

No I mean,

I saw the binder he has in his office,

did you actually read the paperwork?

I don't know if I actually read it.

(tense music)

Has she ever tried to ask you for help?

(Vanessa crying)

Come on, let's leave them.

(Vanessa crying)

(door clicking open)

(Vanessa crying)

[Aticus] It's natural to feel fear

in moments of great spiritual importance,

but it's our duty to face that risk.

[Sam] What risk?

Samantha.

I'll speak plainly to you, directly.

I didn't intend for you to participate

in the exorcism tonight,

because it's dangerous,

very dangerous.

We can't rule out the possibility

that Mary is looking to you

as a new host to possess.

But for two-years,

Alice hasn't given us any sign of hope,

and today, she has asked for help.

Your help.

And tonight may be our

last chance to save her.

This is a difficult decision,

but I want you to participate

in the ceremony tonight.

I'll lead the exorcism,

but your energy,

your presence will be invaluable

to Alice's salvation.

(soft ominous music)

(phone dial tone ringing)

[Dan] Sam, are you all right?

I'm okay, Dan.

[Dan] Are you okay?

You sound strangely calm.

Yeah, don't worry.

I'm coming back home in the morning.

[Dan] Um, I'm glad to hear it.

Dan?

I really am sorry about being a bad friend.

[Dan] Now you're acting really weird,

the Sam I know does not apologize.

It just means an apology is overdue.

[Dan] Well, I forgive you.

Stay safe, okay?

Dan, you're the best friend

I could ever ask for.

I'll see you tomorrow.

[Dan] All right.

(phone beeping)

(soft calm music)

(static scratching)

[Jason] Hey.

[Sam] What's that?

It's a lock of Alice's hair,

a memento for the exorcism ritual.

It goes into the burner, right?

[Jason] That's right.

May I?

Sure. There's matches on the table,

place it inside,

then light it.

(tense drum music)

(match scratching)

(tense drum music)

(liquid burbling)

(tense drum music)

(breath blowing)

[Aticus] Close your eyes.

Alice, we are gathered on this night

to retrieve you from the darkness

of Mary's spirit.

To return you to our family.

Mary, your wretched soul will be purged.

You will no longer feed on the innocence

and purity of our dear Alice.

(tense music)

Now, I will cross the salt,

and I will bring Alice back to us.

(tense music)

It's time.

Sam, no!

(tense music)

Alice?

(Alice wailing)

Mary?

(tense music)

(Sam gasping)

(Alice wailing)

Alice, are you okay?

[Alice] Samantha.

(Alice crying)

Sam. Sam.

Sam, help me.

Help.

(tense music)

Alice?

[Alice] Help me.

Help me, Sam.

Come.

Alice, is that you?

[Mary] Help Alice.

Help her.

(tense music)

How's your friend Gary doing, Sam?

How's Gary?

[Alice] Sam, come in.

Alice?

(tense music)

Oh, my God.

Earlier today, I asked you to free me,

and you didn't.

You left me locked up here.

I'm sorry.

When Alice has her

medication taken from her,

and is locked up by a cult of lunatics

for two-years,

I'm what you're left with,

and I can be a real

b*tch when I'm off my pills.

(tense music)

Did you take your meds today, Sam?

No.

Then you understand how it can be.

I'm not like you,

I'm a good person.

Would a good person

k*ll someone they love?

Remember how it really happened, Sam?

Remember.

You m*rder*d him.

m*rder*r.

(tense music)

(car screeching)

Whoa.

sh*t!

So, I'm guessing you didn't put air

in the tire I warned you

was low the other day?

I told you,

I'm going Monday.

I have to get the transmitters fixed too.

Transmitters?

Whatever the hell it's called.

Okay.

Just pull-up over there.

(cars honking)

Whoa Sam, slow down!

Whoa-whoa-whoa,

watch out for the truck!

(truck honking)

Jesus Sam, you could've caused an accident.

(soft ominous music)

Well?

Well?

Can you just change my tire?

Don't make asking you a chore.

Sam, I adore you,

but someone has to tell

you for your own good,

that you're acting like a jerk.

Just get it over with.

You know, I could teach you, right?

Stop wasting time,

we're gonna be late.

Right.

(truck honking)

(Sam sobbing softly)

Gary, I'm so,

so, sorry.

[Gary] It's not your fault.

Gary, oh my God!

I'm sorry,

if I didn't make you get out of the car,

you'd still be-

Sam, there is a good person in you.

[Sam] I didn't mean to be such a jerk.

[Gary] It's time to let go of the guilt.

You need to go now,

and I don't wanna see you again for a long,

long time.

(Sam crying softly)

Gary, I...

I love you.

(soft music)

Sam? Sam?

Sam, wake up!

(hand slapping)

(Sam retching)

Where am I?

Where did he go?

Gary?

Hey. Hey, hey.

Why did you bring me back?

Whoa, take it easy.

I think what you meant to say was,

"Thanks for saving my life, Dan."

(Sam sighing)

Ugh, this stuff is nasty.

You weren't kidding about getting drugged.

I saw him.

Gary, he was here.

Sam, Gary's dead,

he's gone.

I know what I saw.

What I felt.

(footsteps shuffling)

(footsteps tapping)

Let's get out of here,

and take a look,

then we'll see what really happened.

(footsteps clunking)

(ominous music)

Let's go before your

friends come down, okay?

Okay.

All right.

(footsteps clunking)

(tense music)

(door squeaking)

(door thumping)

(tense music)

(door squeaking)

(door shutting)

(keys clinking)

I'm gonna download the footage

onto the computer.

You wanna get cleaned up before we watch?

Yeah.

(soft ominous music)

A good idea.

(static scratching)

(soft ominous music)

(door clicking shut)

(TV beeping)

(tense music)

(water splashing)

(soft tense piano music)

(tense music)

(soft tense piano music)

(pills rattling)

(calm music)

(Sam sighing)

(eerie music)

(typewriter typing)

(typewriter chiming)