This is a documentary about the so-called 'Source Family'--a cult built around an odd guru in California. This man, who renamed himself 'Father Yod', slowly took the group from one that saw him as a great spiritual leader to a god-like being who should be obeyed without question. This is actually pretty typical of many of the cults of the era but what makes this one a little confusing is the ending. Now, many years later, his followers are interviewed--and some sound as if they STILL think he was god, some see him as flawed but a good part of their lives and a few see him as a huckster--though this seems like the minority. So, if you are looking for clear answers, this isn't what you'll find. Instead, it's a film that you watch and make of it what you will. As for me, I found it mildly interesting but nothing more. In fact, I got far less out of it than "Commune"--a similar sort of documentary that was made very interesting due to folks' insights into their group today.
14 Reviews
A rare insider's view Into a "cult" community.
paumarcus6 May 2015
The reviewers so far are commenting on their opinion of the SUBJECT of the film, not the filmmaking.
The job of the filmmakers is to get a reaction and experience the subject - good, bad or indifferent.
This is a terrific documentary. I have rarely seen a doc that has been so well researched and has so much archival material. Plus they have tracked down all these folks who were originally part of this crazy, cultural experiment. Amazing story.
As a cultural document is so strong, but with the addition of all the insider participation it transforms itself into a one-of-a-kind experience. One of the best of the recent Americana docs. - thanks.
The job of the filmmakers is to get a reaction and experience the subject - good, bad or indifferent.
This is a terrific documentary. I have rarely seen a doc that has been so well researched and has so much archival material. Plus they have tracked down all these folks who were originally part of this crazy, cultural experiment. Amazing story.
As a cultural document is so strong, but with the addition of all the insider participation it transforms itself into a one-of-a-kind experience. One of the best of the recent Americana docs. - thanks.
Everything wrong true belief
thefrenchdog115 September 2013
The movie was interesting and lesson in that you shouldn't get sucked into these goofy groups with a charismatic leader.
Reminded me a little of reading about Ayn Rand's in-crowd "the collective," until the end, then it reminded me a lot. There is something about getting people at a young age and feeding them some inside knowledge that keeps them for life.
Of course the interviewees are self selected, I would guess there are members out there who feel fooled and ridiculous for falling for all of this non-sense and didn't want any part.
At the end we find out these people are not overly upset being the minions of a kooky sex cult leader, they even use the knowledge gained to be life coaches and whatnot, furthering the unreality
Reminded me a little of reading about Ayn Rand's in-crowd "the collective," until the end, then it reminded me a lot. There is something about getting people at a young age and feeding them some inside knowledge that keeps them for life.
Of course the interviewees are self selected, I would guess there are members out there who feel fooled and ridiculous for falling for all of this non-sense and didn't want any part.
At the end we find out these people are not overly upset being the minions of a kooky sex cult leader, they even use the knowledge gained to be life coaches and whatnot, furthering the unreality
an inside look at the bygone/timeless
VisionExile17 April 2019
This documentary is excellent as a time-machined view back to the 1970-1975 California lifestyle as lived by a strange cult that was financed by a successful Los Angeles restaurant. It is very interesting to see so much unpolished archival footage. Thankfully it isn't "animated" or enhanced in the tacky way that other documentaries have done (In The Realms Of The Unreal). Videos, photos, and audio recordings fill-out this movie so well, that the viewer almost feels as if they are a frequent visitor to the Source Family's housing compound. Many modern interviews, both respectful and regretful, make for great color commentary on the events as they were lived by the participants. And, amazing to see Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) attest to the greatness of the ?music? produced by this group. Songs are played and concert footage is shown (Beverly Hills High School 1973) so that the viewer can then decide on the musicianship.
Both great and goofy, this movie has moments of clarity as well as opaque clouds of hazy gibberish. Luckily, the commune leader invested in recording equipment so that history can judge the transcendent quality of everything. Or the disposable folly of it all. But, there it is. A current Family archivist plays a major role in providing the raw materials seen on screen. Thankfully, the movie-makers do not inject their own viewpoints too heavily. Supposedly the Family numbered about 140, and only a fraction of that number is interviewed.
Ultimately, this movie is well worth seeing for anyone interested in cults, leaders, charisma, messiahs, hippies, hucksters, astrology, orgies, the 1960s-1970s, free love, psychedelic music, communes, utopias, and hang gliding.
Both great and goofy, this movie has moments of clarity as well as opaque clouds of hazy gibberish. Luckily, the commune leader invested in recording equipment so that history can judge the transcendent quality of everything. Or the disposable folly of it all. But, there it is. A current Family archivist plays a major role in providing the raw materials seen on screen. Thankfully, the movie-makers do not inject their own viewpoints too heavily. Supposedly the Family numbered about 140, and only a fraction of that number is interviewed.
Ultimately, this movie is well worth seeing for anyone interested in cults, leaders, charisma, messiahs, hippies, hucksters, astrology, orgies, the 1960s-1970s, free love, psychedelic music, communes, utopias, and hang gliding.
Kids And An Old Man
JoelChamp8517 March 2021
A bit of 70's nostalgia. It's very much like most cult groups around that time. A contradictory older man reinvents himself and is elevated by rebellious kids who believe they're on a path to a higher purpose. Of course it's all BS, it's an opportunity to take drugs, rock out, and have sex with strangers (under age strangers). No matter the warning signs the panties just drop. Back then there were so many groups/cults getting around it was almost a competition of "we're the chosen ones!" I think the best thing to come out of the cults is studying the the way youth can be manipulated with hope and promise. The free life they come for, offered by their leader, always becomes far worse than where they came from, in this case it wasn't able to truly get that far. Drugs and mantra go together like peas and carrots. But, you can't deny that feeling of family and love they created.
The Best It Could Be
ontherogue20 August 2014
I joined The Source Family in 1970 and remained for the duration of the experience, so I feel that my review of this documentary holds some merit. I feel the filmmakers tried to present our story as honestly as they could given their limited understanding of it, especially since the pool of people interviewed were limited in scope by distance & proximity to where the actual interviews were done. The first time that I watched the documentary, it brought back a flood of memories for me from forty years ago and was somewhat unsettling and disquieting; although after watching it a few more times it began to feel less of an intrusion on my senses. And although my son's father was featured at the very end during the credit roll performing his song Woman Beyond The Sun, but did not receive even one credit for either his song or his performance; as well as credit for his song Every Morning being given to Ahom/Robin Baker because she had recorded it....those omissions aside, I felt it was a job very well done considering the source.
What a movie!
BandSAboutMovies9 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
People always wonder, why would someone join a cult? How could someone give away so much of their freedom to get nothing back into return? A few minutes into watching this film and your answer will not be so clear.
The Source Family was an attempt at creating a utopia. Between a famous health food restaurant on the Sunset Strip to an outlandish rock band and constantly being surrounded by gorgeous women, you can see how their leader, Father Yod, started to believe he was some sort of prophet.
This isn't one of those documentaries made by people ready to laugh and not understand the mindset of the group. It was inspired by the book The Source: The Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13, and The Source Family, which was written by Isis Aquarian and Electricity Aquarian and edited by Jodi Wille (who co-directed this film with Maria Demopoulos).
Once the group flees to Hawaii, things get out of control, leading to their demise, as well as the death of Father Yod. All of this is captured on film, as the Source Family recorded everything.
Even more amazing is that so many members of the group have gone on to lead amazing, fulfilling lives. Between the music, a large amount of actual footage and the way that it's all sewn into an engaging storyline, this documentary does more than unfold. It inspires.
If I were alive in the early 70's, I wonder if my spiritual journey would take me to a group like the Process or the Source Family. When we were young, a journey to the Krishna Temple of Gold in West Virginia was enlightening and frightening at the same time. So were the many visits to churches and shrines across the country. At times, I wish that I could find that childlike wonder and worship that adulthood seems to take away. That's why I don't laugh or wonder why anyone joins a group like this.
The Source Family was an attempt at creating a utopia. Between a famous health food restaurant on the Sunset Strip to an outlandish rock band and constantly being surrounded by gorgeous women, you can see how their leader, Father Yod, started to believe he was some sort of prophet.
This isn't one of those documentaries made by people ready to laugh and not understand the mindset of the group. It was inspired by the book The Source: The Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13, and The Source Family, which was written by Isis Aquarian and Electricity Aquarian and edited by Jodi Wille (who co-directed this film with Maria Demopoulos).
Once the group flees to Hawaii, things get out of control, leading to their demise, as well as the death of Father Yod. All of this is captured on film, as the Source Family recorded everything.
Even more amazing is that so many members of the group have gone on to lead amazing, fulfilling lives. Between the music, a large amount of actual footage and the way that it's all sewn into an engaging storyline, this documentary does more than unfold. It inspires.
If I were alive in the early 70's, I wonder if my spiritual journey would take me to a group like the Process or the Source Family. When we were young, a journey to the Krishna Temple of Gold in West Virginia was enlightening and frightening at the same time. So were the many visits to churches and shrines across the country. At times, I wish that I could find that childlike wonder and worship that adulthood seems to take away. That's why I don't laugh or wonder why anyone joins a group like this.
Cults are awesome!
digitifursmart20 October 2019
This movie kicked ass and I wish it were longer! I'm fascinated by the cult mentality. The fact that there's this hive mind of acceptance. As a true crime nerd I was shocked I'd never heard of this commune. I'm very excited to show this movie to my friends.
Shockingly complacent
jokkus12 March 2017
It is only near the end of the film that you realize that its whole orientation is bizarrely supportive and even advocating in favor of one of the most well-known cult of the 70's. This movie is about a despicable crazed man, as poisonous and manipulative as most cult leaders, and at no point during the movie filled with a soundtrack of the trashy and unbearable hippie music the cult "produced" will a strong catharsis critique be heard against the pathetic group of young and beautiful brainless lost children lead by a middle-ages ex-convict who calls himself nothing less than "God".
Still Cultists after all this time
acadianjoe27 October 2019
Just seems to justify their behaviours and the cults tactics. Sad that even now most seem to be still taken in by it all. This film is far not nearly critical enough and takes to long to look at the danger it was from the beginning. Cults and religions only divide people.
Not a good documentary
Sofaninja29 January 2022
I found it messy, not enough explanation. It felt like a collage of facts with not much background or contest. I don't even start on the members...what a bunch of wealthy losers with no real purpose or direction. Very cheap documentary.
Old Sociopathic Santa Claus Kidnaps Teens, Brainwashed 4 LYFE!!!
thalassafischer3 May 2023
This documentary is pretty much the ultimate in "okay Boomer." In fact I'm finding some of the rave reviews of this documentary comical, as if they think there was really something complex and ultra-spiritual actually going on.
Father Yod was an alcoholic, a drug addict, a millionaire, and a murderer. So let's start there, okay?
A deranged teen girl who was basically "dying" according to herself and a neighborhood friend, fell in love with him as a father figure who saved her life. It's not unusual for someone taken in at such a young age under dire circumstances by a wealthy, powerful person to feel you owe that person something for life. Happens all the time, every day. They also did lots of speed together, as far as I can gather. Like, yeah, man. Like speed doesn't make people even more insane and selfish and abusive than alcohol. It's not exactly known as the spiritual peace drug.
So anyway, people as young as TWELVE (though some look to have been in their early-to-mid 20s...possibly) were all looking for a dad. They thought he was a baddie. They were impressed by his murders and his millions. Sounding spiritual to you yet? I didn't think so.
THEN (oh then) his "commandments" were to worship HIM like a god. "You must love your Earthly Father more than yourself." Yikes on several bikes, dude.
Sure, you're a lost kid living in a crappy apartment in LA, maybe abused by your own parents, or just kicked out by some rigid conservative Republican types who refused to pay for college or to help their young adult children get started....and A RICH GUY who has KILLED PEOPLE tells you he's god, and gives you drugs. Oh, he also buys a mansion for you all to live in. I don't see any big secret sauce here. This is fairly standard reasons why someone would take a shine to someone during a hard, desperate time in their lives - especially at a tender age like 12 or 19 or even 23.
I'm aghast and these rich old people still talking about Father Yod like he really had something going on. Saw one review that marveled that a group of privileged white Boomers living in a mansion in LA did well for themselves. Oh my god.
Father Yod was an alcoholic, a drug addict, a millionaire, and a murderer. So let's start there, okay?
A deranged teen girl who was basically "dying" according to herself and a neighborhood friend, fell in love with him as a father figure who saved her life. It's not unusual for someone taken in at such a young age under dire circumstances by a wealthy, powerful person to feel you owe that person something for life. Happens all the time, every day. They also did lots of speed together, as far as I can gather. Like, yeah, man. Like speed doesn't make people even more insane and selfish and abusive than alcohol. It's not exactly known as the spiritual peace drug.
So anyway, people as young as TWELVE (though some look to have been in their early-to-mid 20s...possibly) were all looking for a dad. They thought he was a baddie. They were impressed by his murders and his millions. Sounding spiritual to you yet? I didn't think so.
THEN (oh then) his "commandments" were to worship HIM like a god. "You must love your Earthly Father more than yourself." Yikes on several bikes, dude.
Sure, you're a lost kid living in a crappy apartment in LA, maybe abused by your own parents, or just kicked out by some rigid conservative Republican types who refused to pay for college or to help their young adult children get started....and A RICH GUY who has KILLED PEOPLE tells you he's god, and gives you drugs. Oh, he also buys a mansion for you all to live in. I don't see any big secret sauce here. This is fairly standard reasons why someone would take a shine to someone during a hard, desperate time in their lives - especially at a tender age like 12 or 19 or even 23.
I'm aghast and these rich old people still talking about Father Yod like he really had something going on. Saw one review that marveled that a group of privileged white Boomers living in a mansion in LA did well for themselves. Oh my god.
Don't bother
dancinqueen471 August 2014
I don't even know where to start. So bad! One of the worst films I've ever seen - and I've seen a bunch. Had I not been stuck home with an injury, unable to do much of anything else, I would not have watched beyond the first 10 minutes on Netflix. I should have just shut it down then, but hope springs eternal, I guess. As I often do, I kept thinking it would get better...at least a little. It did not!
Here's the deal: The Kibbleheads who were in this ridiculous cult truly believed the leader was God - when he suddenly decided he was and informed them of that fact - are still whack jobs today!
All the drugs and "herbs" they took either affected their ability to think and reason or they started out at least halfway cuckoo and ended up totally bonkers. They are apparently beyond repair and/or any hope. It's pretty scary that they're allowed to vote and allowed out without keepers! I base this on what almost all of them had to say at the end of the film. One guy lives out in the wild, completely off the grid and claims he has 2 years of food squirreled away - and "I'm not gonna tell you where it is." O.K., fine by me. If it's "food" that will still actually be safe to eat after being kept 2 years, I doubt you need worry about it being stolen - at least not by anyone with a working brain, Doorknob.
Also, the "music" in this made me want to claw my ears off. Truly, the worst sounds I've ever heard and not worthy of being called music. Whoever created this cacophony to accompany the film deserves to be tied up and made to listen to it 24/7 every day until they expire.
Don't waste your time streaming this and absolutely don't waste any money renting or buying it...unless you're as loony as the poor idiots who were in this cult & movie.
Believe me, giving it 3 stars out of 10 was an act of great generosity.
Here's the deal: The Kibbleheads who were in this ridiculous cult truly believed the leader was God - when he suddenly decided he was and informed them of that fact - are still whack jobs today!
All the drugs and "herbs" they took either affected their ability to think and reason or they started out at least halfway cuckoo and ended up totally bonkers. They are apparently beyond repair and/or any hope. It's pretty scary that they're allowed to vote and allowed out without keepers! I base this on what almost all of them had to say at the end of the film. One guy lives out in the wild, completely off the grid and claims he has 2 years of food squirreled away - and "I'm not gonna tell you where it is." O.K., fine by me. If it's "food" that will still actually be safe to eat after being kept 2 years, I doubt you need worry about it being stolen - at least not by anyone with a working brain, Doorknob.
Also, the "music" in this made me want to claw my ears off. Truly, the worst sounds I've ever heard and not worthy of being called music. Whoever created this cacophony to accompany the film deserves to be tied up and made to listen to it 24/7 every day until they expire.
Don't waste your time streaming this and absolutely don't waste any money renting or buying it...unless you're as loony as the poor idiots who were in this cult & movie.
Believe me, giving it 3 stars out of 10 was an act of great generosity.
60's & 70's Madness
owjan-4597914 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It happens that western mind takes some ideology from the east, form it in its own way so western people can understand it and then don't know what to do with the product in the end. The whole western concern is about doing but the eastern approach is more about being. This fellow got into some spiritual practices such as meditation and kundalini yoga but chosed to have a harem and as we see he didn't know what to do in the end so tried to finish himself by jumping from the glider. People like him pick, copy paste some ideology and gather some lost souls around themselves but nowhere are close to someone like OSHO. However life was much fun back then. As a documentary it was a weak job in my opinion.
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