Over the Rainbow

“Easy to criticize a religion when you’re outside it,” says one of the subjects in Jeffrey Peixoto’s mesmerizing debut film, a poetic examination of the Church of Scientology that focuses on its fringes. Weaving together accounts of alien abductions, art dealing, E-meters, and the Sea Organization with interviews from active and inactive members of the Church, Over the Rainbow is a moody and absorbing film that, without passing judgment, approaches the religion thoughtfully and with care, revealing unexpected nuances of the relationship of humans to their faith.

“Filmed with subjects talking directly to the camera, the documentary is without outside voices: The subjects are the only ones speaking on life in the church. The viewer feels a connection with the movie’s subjects, and the film is more conversational than informational. Subjects get personal, and the audience develops an authentic connection with them. Many open up about the fond memories they have of the church, while others are more negative. This gives the film a balance that helps provide a new perspective to the topic.” — Morgan Spiers, Vox