19 February 2020
The Master (2012)
Joaquin Phoenix isn’t a one-trick pony – not only can he act his way to an Oscar for playing a deeply disturbed (and deeply unfunny) comedian in 2019’s Joker, but he can also play a deeply disturbed army veteran in 2012’s The Master.
Returning from military service in the Pacific, traumatised Freddie Quell (Phoenix) struggles to adapt to civilian life and so when he stumbles onto the yacht of a charismatic cult leader, he appears to have found the answers to his and humanity’s most urgent questions. Lancaster Dodd (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) is the enigmatic but affable cultist who takes Quell under his seemingly kind wing, but the cult known as The Cause is not without its enemies and critics. Amy Adams, Laura Dern and Mr Robot’s Rami Malek co-star.
Comparisons to Scientology and its founder L. Ron Hubbard were inevitable when the movie was released but the producers denied that the controversial Church had inspired the plot. However, the director later admitted that Hubbard was an inspiration, yet he didn’t intend the film to be a biography.
Regardless of the inspiration, the characters and plot of The Master stand on their own thanks to the world-class performances and irresistibly immersive direction. Total Film effused: “The Master is a breathtaking, singular, technically audacious film, white-hot with emotion, and boasting a few scenes so individually powerful that they’ll stay with you like a physical presence for days.”
Tracking Thabo Bester: coming soon to Showmax
Red Ink: how did Bonko become The Butcher?
More Mzansi gold
Tracking Thabo Bester
A documentary about the convicted murderer and rapist who did not die in Cell 35 but was instead seen shopping in Sandton City. Drops on Showmax on 15 and 22 March 2024.
Youngins Season 1 episodes 16-18: Betrayed
Lerato agrees to help expose Principal Mthembu but Khaya tips him off in episodes 16-18 of Showmax Original Youngins.
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: Mabusi returns for closure
In episode 6 of The Real Housewives of Durban, an old fave unearths old wounds and creates new scars. Will she receive a warm welcome?
Billions Season 7: Mike for President? 6 reasons to vote no
The threat of a Mike Prince Presidency turns enemies into allies in the final season of Billions. Binge every episode on Showmax.