Were you one of the folks lamenting the end of HBO’s Nxivm documentary The Vow? Are you someone who enjoys watching shows about cults and trying to understand just what motivates someone to get pulled into their vortex? Or are you just weirded out by Tom Cruise and want to understand more about the “religion” that treats him like one of its gods? Well, then have I got a show for you!
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath is a multi-award winning documentary where actress and former Scientologist Leah Remini and former high ranking Scientologist Mike Rinder speak to former members of the Church of Scientology and discuss the ins and outs of the cult-like group. It’s an unflinching look at the power and pull of this sinister organization – and after you watch a couple of episodes, you will see just how twisted and scary Scientology truly is. Filmed from 2016-2019, the series originally aired on the A&E Network, and it is now available to the masses via Netflix.
Throughout the series, Remini and Rinder speak to a wide array of individuals, from former Scientologists, family of current members, those who have been “Fair Gamed” by the organization, and those who spent time in similar religious cults. The most horrific tales come from two sources: those who suffered horrific abuses within the Church and those who lost loved ones within Scientology, whether through death or disconnection – the term used by Scientologists to refer to the act of cutting off all contact with anyone the organization deems a “suppressive person,” namely those who leave the Church or who attempt to speak out against its teachings. The pain and anguish felt by these family members at not being able to speak to those they love as a result of the machinations of Scientology is gut-wrenching to watch. And for those who escaped the cult, there are additional horrible tales of just how far Scientology is willing to go to discredit their stories and attack their names. From lawsuits to private investigators spying on them whenever they leave their homes, those who leave and speak out are attacked consistently and without mercy (through an organized practice the Church calls Fair Game).
But lest you think this is simply the case of a bunch of disgruntled individuals getting together to bash Scientology, each story is well researched and backed up by evidence. And when you continually hear similar stories of abuse and harassment from person after person it becomes harder and harder to claim that it’s all lies (which is precisely what the Church of Scientology has done and continues to do). For those who only know Remini from her acting work, seeing her as a passionate crusader against a despicable opponent may surprise you. After all, if you’re used to seeing her as a comedic foil it can be difficult to process how this compassionate and stalwart woman is the same person who played the put upon wife on a sitcom for years. But the pairing of Remini and Rinder is the perfect combination to get these stories out into the open. Remini’s deep emotional connection to her guests matches beautifully with Rinder’s background knowledge of the inner-workings of the Church, creating an environment where the guests clearly feel both supported and vindicated as their tales are told.
Is Scientology and the Aftermath an easy show to watch? No, it isn’t. Watching the amount of hurt, pain, and anger caused by the Church of Scientology can bring you into a rage as you watch it. But as this organization continues on, largely unchecked here in the US (and around the world), it is necessary viewing for those of us on the outside. After all, Scientology continues to have tax exempt status as a recognized religion in the US, and boy, that should absolutely not be the case. I highly recommend you take the time to watch this essential documentary series. It will open your eyes and hopefully inspire you to take a second look at people and practices that you might have believed to be harmless.
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath is currently streaming on Netflix. If you would like to learn more about the Scientology tactic of Fair Game, please listen to Remini and Rinder’s podcast Scientology: Fair Game.
