“AUM: The Cult at the End of World” is playing at Laemmle’s Royal,11523 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Los Angeles, through March 27.
This documentary tells the shocking story of Aum Shinrikyo, the doomsday cult that unleashed a deadly nerve gas in Tokyo’s subway system in 1995. Founded by disillusioned yoga teacher Shoko Asahara, Aum transformed into a terrorist organization while Japan’s police and media turned a blind eye. Featuring rare archival footage and an interview with one of Asahara’s former high-ranking disciples. A Sundance premiere.
Robert Daniels of RogerEbert.com called the film “an engrossing warning against false prophets.”
Filmmakers Ben Braun and Chiaki Yanagimoto will participate in Q&As following the 7:10 p.m. screenings on Friday and Saturday, March 21-22, and the 4:10 p.m. screening on Sunday, March 23. Rachel Bernstein, therapist and host of the “IndoctriNation” podcast, is moderating the Friday Q&A, and Rosanna Xia of The Los Angeles Times on Saturday.
Showtimes:
Friday, March 21: 1:20 p.m. (7:10 p.m. show is sold out)
Saturday, March 22: 1:20 and 7:10 p.m.
Sunday, March 23: 4:10 p.m.
Monday, March 24, to Thursday, March 27: 1:20 and 7:10 p.m.
Tickets: www.laemmle.com/film/aum-cult-end-world?date=2025-03-21#get-tickets