6 Things to Watch If You're Fascinated by the Church of Scientology

Published on Jan 18, 2017 at 8:30 PM

It's only been a couple months since A&E's new serial documentary (titled Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath) premiered in November 2016. With its release, it seems the religious organization has been, for better or for worse, in the spotlight more than ever before. The series stems from Leah Remini's notable departure from the church in 2013 and seeks to investigate its inner workings. Between this show and Remini's recent stop on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, one thing has become astoundingly clear: the religion likes to keep the details of its creed private. Perhaps that's why there are so few documentaries and other such informative pieces about Scientology in the world: people are afraid of the repercussions that come with exposing the organization's secrets. That said, there are a few things you can watch if you can't seem to quash your curiosity.

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief

Perhaps the most pervasive documentary on the subject, Going Clear snagged an Emmy for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special. It shines a spotlight on eight former members of the church. You can watch it with an HBO subscription.

Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath

After separating from the church in 2013, Remini has a new series that aims to uncover the worrisome truths tucked away behind the religion's shiny exterior. Leah Remini travels the country and talks to former church members with Mike Rinder, Scientology's former senior executive. You can watch full episodes on A&E.

My Scientology Movie

Documentarian Louis Theroux approached the church more than a decade ago in hopes of making an educational film about the organization. He was rejected but decided to proceed anyway, hoping to see it as "a system of belief that is not so different from other religions, capable of enlarging the soul as well as crushing the spirit." The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016, and according to its official site, will be released on March 10.

Panorama: "Scientology and Me"

BBC's Panorama is a "current affairs programme, featuring interviews and investigative reports on a wide variety of subjects." The episode, which featured an investigation led by John Sweeney, first aired in 2007. It's not on BBC's website, but it definitely seems to be floating around the web. Try this Vimeo post if you're really intrigued.

Scientology: The Science of Truth or the Art of Deception?

Here's another documentary brought to you by Dr. Rainer Fromm. This project purports to take viewers "through the history and inside the walls" of the organization and features interviews with current and former Scientologists. While it doesn't seem to be readily available online, it seems you can purchase it on Amazon.

Bonus: Squeeze My Cans

This technically isn't a TV show or movie, but we felt compelled to include this one-woman show called Squeeze My Cans. The lead actress, Cathy Schenkelberg, shares her experiences from a horrifying 14 years inside the church and an additionally five years of pursuing freedom. She even talks about that time she had an "audition to be Tom Cruise's girlfriend." You'll have to buy tickets to see this one in action.