Carrie Coon Stars in 'The Liberation,' a Drama About a Holocaust Survivor Who Joins a Cult

Key points

• Carrie Coon plays Rita, a Holocaust survivor living in suburban New Jersey who joins a new-age cult led by a charismatic woman named Ricki, played by Lily James.
• Director Guy Nattiv spent ten years developing the film, which is inspired by his grandmother's decision to leave her family in Israel to follow a cult leader to the United States in the 1980s.
• The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and will be released by Bleecker Street in December for an awards-qualifying run.
• Nattiv describes the story as a 'what if' scenario, taking liberties with real events to explore the motivations and actions of his grandmother, whom he portrays as a strong woman seeking happiness.
• Coon prepared for the role by watching testimonies from Holocaust survivors and documentaries about cults, emphasizing the complexity and humanity of her character.

Background

The Hollywood Reporter previously covered various film industry developments, including Telluride Film Festival lineups and other drama premieres. This article focuses on 'The Liberation,' a personal project for director Guy Nattiv, who won an Academy Award for his short film 'Skin' and directed the feature 'Skin' and the biopic 'Golda.' The film's release in December positions it for potential awards recognition.

Why it matters

The film challenges the stereotype that only weak individuals join cults, highlighting the complex motivations of a Holocaust survivor seeking spiritual fulfillment. It offers a nuanced portrayal of a female cult leader, contrasting with typical male-dominated cult narratives, and aims to spark conversations about trauma, autonomy, and healing.

What to watch

The film is set for a December release by Bleecker Street, with hopes for an awards-qualifying run. Audiences can expect a nuanced exploration of Rita's journey and the dynamics of the cult she joins.