12 Best Movies Like The Master You Should Watch Next

Another film that effectively explores relationship dynamics within a cult is Sean Durkin’s Martha Marcy May Marlene. The indie drama follows the story of Martha (Elizabeth Olsen), who is recruited by her close friend Zoe (Louisa Krause) to join a commune living on the upstate New York countryside and is led by the charismatic Patrick (John Hawkes) to be led. What initially appears to be an off-the-grid hippie family quickly emerges as a cult with a rigid power structure that subjects its female members to the whims of Patrick and his cohorts Watts (Brady Corbet) and Max (Christopher Abbott).

While “The Master” traces Freddie’s career within The Cause in a driving, linear manner, “Martha Marcy May Marlene” uses a flashback structure. Durkin weaves together Martha’s two years in the cult and the sexual abuse she suffers at the hands of Patrick, her eventual escape and the present of hiding at the vacation home of her sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and her brother-in-law. Law Ted (Hugh Dancy).

Martha suffers from panic attacks while readjusting to life in traditional society. She begins to see what may or may not be hallucinations of cult members haunting her, channeling the unsettling reality that she may never have felt like she ever truly escaped.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, help is available to help. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact the RAINN National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

If you or someone you know is dealing with emotional abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also visit their website for more information, resources, and support.