Already a critical hit thanks to its film festival runs, 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' is generating no shortage of buzz these days. The haunting indie drama stars Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young woman who struggles to reintegrate into normal life after escaping from a cult in the Catskills. But writer/director Sean Durkin's feature debut isn't the first movie to delve into the dangerous grasp cults can hold over their followers. And with 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' out now in theaters (try ordering that ticket five times fast), Moviefone thought it was time revisit some true "cult" classics; because if you're a little wary about why that new social club you signed up for keeps asking you to try the Kool-Aid, here are the top 10 ways to know you've joined a cult -- in the movies at least.
Gallery | 10 Signs You're in a Cult
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10. You Changed Your Name (As Seen in 'Martha Marcy May Marlene')
Unless you're a millionaire pro-athlete, actor, or in the Witness Protection Program, you're most likely still going by your given name. Being re-christened "Marcy May" by the charismatic Patrick (John Hawkes) should've been Martha's first inkling that something weird was up at the farmhouse commune. Just like it set off warning bells in the sports world when the Laker formerly known as Ron Artest announced he was changing his name to Metta World Peace. -
9. You Wear White Robes (As Seen in 'Conan the Barbarian')
Not to besmirch the entire robe industry (or its powerful lobbyists), but it seems like the only places that hand out white robes are cults and hotels. So how do you tell if you're in a cult or a hotel room? Easy. Did you put on your robe after getting out of the shower, or on your way to worship a giant half-man-half-snake? -
8. Your Clothes Are Seriously Out of Style (As Seen in 'The Village')
We're not talking ironically out of style, like that clever t-shirt you picked up at the thrift store; we mean you're currently sporting a wardrobe that's decades, or even centuries, behind the times. There's a difference between vintage and Victorian, and when it comes to cults, it can be an important one. -
7. You're On a New "Cleanse" (As Seen in 'Martha Marcy May Marlene')
OK, so it's entirely possible you're just at a spa (even if you are wearing a white robe), but before you choke down that mysterious herbal shake, ask yourself an important question: are you drinking it to cleanse your body of a toxic diet, or a toxic materialistic lifestyle? And, no: just because it got a celebrity endorsement doesn't necessarily mean it checks out. -
6. You Can't Get Through a Dinner Party Without Chanting (As Seen in 'Rosemary's Baby')
Here's another one that should be a dead giveaway: if your dinner guests spontaneously break out into rousing chants of "Hail Satan," you definitely need to find some new friends. Preferably before the dessert course. (The same also goes for singing showtunes.) -
5. You've Got More Candles Than a Pottery Barn (As Seen in 'The Ninth Gate')
Most normal parties are BYOB, but if your invitation requests that you bring a candle instead of a bottle of wine, we recommend you politely decline -- especially if they offer to provide the robes. Not only do all those candles pose a serious potential fire hazard, so does opening a doorway to Hell. -
4. You Shaved Your Head (As Seen in 'Lord of Illusions')
Yes, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to shave your head: maybe you're going bald prematurely, you're a competitive swimmer, or you lost a bet. If you broke out the clippers to celebrate the "second coming" of your leader, however, you need to get out fast -- or choose a group with a more fashion-forward hairstyle. -
3. You Want Kids. Just Not of Your Own (As Seen in 'The Believers')
Lots of people decide they want kids as they get older. The big difference: cult members decide they want other people's kids. And not to take them to a Wiggles concert either. Sacrifice is an admirable trait to preach. Except when it's human sacrifice, of course. -
2. Nicolas Cage is After You (As Seen in 'Drive Angry 3D', 'The Wicker Man')
Sure, it's possible you just have his treasure map or some equally important historical document, his favorite car, or even his face. Given his filmography, though, if Nicolas Cage is on your tail, it's much more likely that you're part of a cult. Either way, it's a strong sign you should probably reevaluate your life choices. -
1. You Share a Room With More Than One Person (As Seen in 'Martha Marcy May Marlene')
Unless you're a recent grad with mountains of student loans, it's not a good sign if your living quarters are more cramped than a subway car during rush hour. Thanks to the recession, everyone's looking to cut costs wherever they can, but filling a room with mattresses probably means you've become indoctrinated, not fiscally responsible.
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