A psychologically damaged war veteran finds himself working for a charismatic figure building his own religion.

As the alcoholic, self-destructive former soldier becomes more deeply involved with the leader of this cult-like organization, his natural instincts keep him from embracing his new position.

Inspired by the life of L. Ron Hubbard, the man who founded the Church of Scientology, the Master explores the fortitude of a damaged individual’s faith by following a difficult course plagued by doubt, dissension, self-loathing, manipulation and inevitable disappointment.

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson. Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, Jesse Plemons. Rated: R. Time: 2:16.