Embracing Our Obsession with Cults

Let’s face it; we are all a little obsessed with cults. Maybe it’s their weird hierarchies that make us scratch our heads, or perhaps we just love thinking we’d never fall prey to their charms. But hold onto your hats, because Seekers of Infinite Love is not your typical cult flick.

A Twist on the Classic Family Road Trip

Instead of diving deep into the murky waters of brainwashing, this one focuses on a wacky family drama. The film zeroes in on three not-so-perfect siblings who hit the road to rescue their younger sister from a doomsday cult called the Seekers of Infinite Love. Spoiler alert: the cult’s man-bun-wearing leader (played by Greg Kinnear, no less) has some really bad plans that involve a mass exit strategy for his followers. Oops!

Meet the Siblings

So, we have Kayla (Hannah Einbinder), a writer; Zach (John Reynolds), a lawyer; and Wes (Griffin Gluck), who is, let’s just say, a bit of a lost cause. They must shove their personal angst aside to track down their sister, Scarlett (Justine Lupe), who’s deep in the cult’s clutches. They’re joined by a not-so-ordinary deprogrammer named Rick (Justin Theroux), who has secrets of his own. Talk about family therapy!

A Deranged Family Dynamic?

If you’re thinking this sounds like a wild, crazier take on Little Miss Sunshine, you’re not mistaken! According to writer and director Victoria Strouse, the film started with a focus on those classic sibling dynamics. “Siblings are fascinating! They’re like walking truth bombs and lie grenades, and everything just spills out so quickly,” she shares. You know, because sibling rifts tend to air things out in a hurry!

Cults: Reality Meets Comedy

Though it’s mainly about a family of lovable misfits all seeking, well, a little love, the looming specter of cults provides a backdrop of intrigue. The cast is quite knowledgeable about real-life cults, casually tossing out names like Heaven’s Gate and the Manson family as they chat away.

Rick’s Unique Approach to Connection

When it comes to Theroux’s character, he’s all about that personal touch—literally! “Rick likes to get real cozy when he talks to people. You know, lots of eye contact and touch,” he explains, sharing how he would tenderly rub Wes’s back during their emotional scenes. Sounds like a recipe for awkward moments, right?

Touchy-Feely on Camera

Whatever methods Rick employs to save Scarlett, you’ll have to watch to see if they work. But according to Griffin, it seems like Rick considers him as his own kiddo. “I might have been touched a little too much in this movie,” laughs Gluck. “It sounds wild, but it became a thing!” Strouse, who was the creative mastermind behind the film, even confirmed the ‘touch factor’ became a delightful, albeit unplanned, throughline of the narrative.

Catch the Premiere!

Seekers of Infinite Love made its grand debut on March 12 at the SXSW Film Festival. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a hilariously bizarre journey that combines the charm of family with the craziness of cults!