AUM: The Cult at the End of the World

A chilling, methodical descent into fanaticism, told through archival footage that leaves you unsettled and sobered.

Directed by

Ben Braun, Chiaki Yanagimoto

Genres

Documentary, Crime

Starring

Shoko Asahara, Takeshi Kitano, Mikhail Gorbachev

Overview

The shocking story of Aum Shinrikyo, the doomsday cult that unleashed a deadly nerve gas in Tokyo’s subway system in 1995. Founded by disillusioned yoga teacher Shoko Asahara, Aum transformed into a terrorist organization while Japan’s police and media turned a blind eye. Featuring rare archival footage and an interview with one of Asahara’s former high-ranking disciples. A Sundance premiere.

How it feels

Dark, bleak and earnest. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Obsession, power, violence, crime

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore, sexual content and language.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)