Films

Abandoned families. Mass suicide. Alien ascension. The story of the Heaven’s Gate cult, which attracted followers with a jumble of new-age philosophy and extraterrestrial musings before ultimately leading to the largest group suicide in America, has never been told like this. The Leader digs underneath the headlines to interrogate the perspectives of the cult’s followers and leaders as tragedy looms, refusing to provide easy answers. 

Featuring disturbing, fully realized performances from Tim Blake Nelson and Vera Farmiga as cult leaders Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Nettles bolstered by striking imagery and an eerie atmosphere, The Leader is surely one of the most haunting cinematic experiences of 2026.

Discussion with director Michael Gallagher and producers and actors Jana Gallagher and Tim Blake Nelson.