Cults

Ari Aster isn't a political filmmaker—but his films are all the more disturbing when considered as previews of what could emerge after a political or climatic breakdown.

A collection of some of our most important and timely stories, from a feature story on the perils and possibilities of gene-drive to a photo essay documenting camels—and the people who have kept them—around the world.

What do you call an organization where total loyalty to a charismatic but volatile leader is strictly enforced?

How four recent works—two books and two television shows—are transforming how we talk about new religious movements.

A new study of cult murders in the U.S. suggests that even the deepest and most disturbing convictions are no proof of mental illness—nor, some argue, should they be.

A brief history of personality tests—and how they lend themselves to cultish misdirection.

Our week of talking about community, belief, enthusiasm, zeal, terror, and also basset hounds.