The early 2000s saw the rise of "survival cults." Eli Roth’s Hostel (2005) isn't about a religious sect, but it features an "evil cult" of wealthy elites who pay to torture people. It is capitalism as a death cult. Meanwhile, Ti West’s The House of the Devil (2009) paid homage to the satanic cult panic of the 80s, proving that slow-burn dread is scarier than fast zombies.
These films give you a front-row seat to how a leader bends reality. evil cult movie
What to notice: How the leader answers a question with a question. How they isolate the recruit from family. These movies teach real warning signs. The early 2000s saw the rise of "survival cults
If you want to start your descent into madness, here is the essential viewing list: What to notice: How the leader answers a