Holocaust Survivor's Cult Ordeal Inspires New Film

Filmmaker Guy Nattiv's deeply personal movie, 'The Liberation,' is set to premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. The film draws inspiration from Nattiv's grandmother, a Holocaust survivor who joined a cult in the 1980s. After a decade of preparation, Nattiv felt emotionally ready to tackle the story, which explores his grandmother's mid-life decision to leave her family in Israel and follow a charismatic female leader to the United States.

The narrative follows Rita, a Holocaust survivor in 1980s New Jersey, who divorces her husband and leaves her children to join a new-age community led by Ricki. This community practices fasting, hallucinogens, and isolation from loved ones. When Rita's daughters attempt to bring her back, she must choose between her family and her perceived path to enlightenment.

Nattiv emphasizes that his grandmother was not weak but a hero who survived unimaginable tragedy and sought happiness. The film, starring Carrie Coon as Rita and Lily James as the cult leader Ricki, aims to explore themes of trauma, autonomy, and healing. Production for 'The Liberation' took place in Vancouver, Canada.

Carrie Coon described her character as complex, having survived tragedy while seeking spiritual fulfillment. She noted the tension in portraying a woman who recovers her strength while also sublimating herself. Coon researched cult survivors' testimonials and Holocaust survivor accounts to prepare for the role.