1988
Thirteen-year-old Cynthia Weston is the sole survivor of a mass suicide and fire at Unity House, a cult led by the charismatic Adrian Harris, who forced his followers into a ritual baptism before the explosion. After thirteen years in a coma, Cynthia awakens and is transferred to the Berrisford Clinic, where she joins a borderline personality group and begins experiencing vivid hallucinations of Harris and other cult members. As other patients in the group therapy session begin dying under mysterious circumstances, Cynthia becomes convinced that Harris is still alive and orchestrating the deaths from beyond the grave, despite being told he died in the fire. Cynthia and Dr. Alan Goldman, her psychiatrist, uncover evidence that Dr. Berrisford, the clinic's head, has been tampering with patient medications, leading to their deaths and Cynthia's hallucinations, as Berrisford attempts to recreate Harris's control over his followers.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Cynthia, a survivor of a cult fire, wakes from a long coma and struggles through psychiatric treatment plagued by hallucinations of her cult leader.
Open full beat sheetCynthia Weston is listed as Protagonist. 13-year-old girl at the start, later a young woman in her late 20s; sole survivor of the Unity House fire. In the parsed data, Cynthia Weston is connected to 83 scenes, 166 dialogue lines, 166 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
83 scenes / 166 dialogue linesDr. Alan Goldman is listed as Psychiatrist. Psychiatrist at the Berrisford Clinic, works with the Borderline Personality Group. In the parsed data, Dr. Alan Goldman is connected to 49 scenes, 76 dialogue lines, 76 text mentions, first appearing around scene 13.
49 scenes / 76 dialogue linesAdrian Harris is listed as Cult Leader. Forty-ish, greying, handsome, fit, charismatic leader of Unity House. In the parsed data, Adrian Harris is connected to 17 scenes, 29 dialogue lines, 29 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
17 scenes / 29 dialogue linesHettie is listed as Nurse. Chief nurse at the Berrisford Clinic. In the parsed data, Hettie is connected to 17 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
17 scenes / 20 dialogue linesVictor is listed as Cult Member. Handsome youth, associate of Cynthia at Unity House. In the parsed data, Victor is connected to 15 scenes, 68 dialogue lines, 76 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
15 scenes / 68 dialogue linesDr. S.A. Berrisford is listed as Psychiatrist. Consulting Chief of Neuropsychiatry, head of the Berrisford Clinic. In the parsed data, Dr. S.A. Berrisford is connected to 14 scenes, 37 dialogue lines, 37 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
14 scenes / 37 dialogue linesMiriam is listed as Patient. Member of the Borderline Personality Group, chain-smoker, former writer. In the parsed data, Miriam is connected to 13 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
13 scenes / 14 dialogue linesGilda is listed as Patient. Member of the Borderline Personality Group, tiny and withdrawn. In the parsed data, Gilda is connected to 11 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
11 scenes / 5 dialogue linesInspector Wasserman is listed as Detective. Plainclothes detective investigating the Unity House fire. In the parsed data, Inspector Wasserman is connected to 10 scenes, 25 dialogue lines, 25 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
10 scenes / 25 dialogue linesConnie is listed as Patient. Member of the Borderline Personality Group, chipper. In the parsed data, Connie is connected to 10 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 41.
10 scenes / 1 dialogue linesRalph is listed as Patient. Member of the Borderline Personality Group, long-haired, erratic. In the parsed data, Ralph is connected to 9 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 36 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
9 scenes / 13 dialogue linesLana is listed as Patient. Member of the Borderline Personality Group, pale and worried. In the parsed data, Lana is connected to 8 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
8 scenes / 6 dialogue linesEd is listed as Patient. Member of the Borderline Personality Group, overweight and friendly. In the parsed data, Ed is connected to 8 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 41.
8 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHarris stands in a field at sunset, appearing to draw power from the environment before walking toward Unity House.
Adrian HarrisHarris arrives at Unity House and is greeted by followers.
Adrian HarrisFollowers search for Cynthia, who is hiding in a storage alcove.
Cynthia WestonHarris insists on a ritual baptism in a cistern, pressuring Cynthia to join.
Adrian Harris, Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia enters the baptismal font.
Cynthia WestonCynthia attempts to flee, Harris calls for her, and the house explodes.
Adrian Harris, Cynthia WestonEmergency responders arrive at the scene of the explosion.
Inspector WassermanCynthia is rushed into the hospital.
Cynthia WestonCynthia wakes from her coma after years of hospitalization.
Cynthia Weston, HettieA spokesperson announces Cynthia's recovery and planned transfer to Berrisford's clinic.
Inspector WassermanCynthia undergoes physical therapy with Dr. Berrisford.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. S.A. BerrisfordBerrisford explains his role to Cynthia; Wasserman interrupts to question her.
Cynthia Weston, Inspector Wasserman, Dr. S.A. BerrisfordCynthia joins the Borderline Personality Group therapy session.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Ralph, Miriam, Lana, GildaCynthia expresses confusion about her presence in the group therapy session; Miriam mocks her, and Alan encourages Cynthia to talk about Unity House.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Ralph, Miriam, Lana, GildaBerrisford and Alan watch the group session on a monitor and discuss Cynthia's progress and future in the group.
Dr. S.A. Berrisford, Dr. Alan Goldman, Cynthia WestonCynthia exercises while Hettie distributes medication to patients, including Ralph.
Cynthia Weston, Hettie, RalphAlan and Cynthia walk together; Alan reveals that everyone at Unity House died in the fire.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanCynthia experiences a hallucination of Harris while in a crowded elevator.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Adrian HarrisCynthia exits the elevator in a state of panic, claiming Harris is alive.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanBerrisford and Alan discuss Cynthia's episode, with Berrisford suggesting it is a withdrawal symptom.
Dr. S.A. Berrisford, Dr. Alan GoldmanVictor visits Cynthia in her room at the clinic.
Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia and Victor go to his apartment; Victor discusses the past and his survival.
Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia and Victor make love; Victor later reveals pistols and suggests a suicide pact.
Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia wakes up from a nightmare; Victor is missing.
Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia and Victor have a tense conversation that turns into a disturbing hallucination for Cynthia.
Cynthia Weston, Victor, Adrian HarrisCynthia flees the apartment building.
Cynthia WestonCynthia looks back to see Victor waving in the window.
Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia hitchhikes.
Cynthia WestonCynthia is picked up by a driver.
Cynthia WestonCynthia arrives at the hospital.
Cynthia WestonCynthia returns to her room.
Cynthia WestonCynthia tries to sleep.
Cynthia WestonCynthia seeks out Dr. Goldman.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanAlan and Cynthia drive to the apartment.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanThey arrive at the apartment building.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanThe manager leads them to the apartment.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanThe apartment is empty, confusing Cynthia.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanAlan inspects the closet.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanCynthia points out a stain on the rug.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanWasserman confronts Berrisford and Cynthia about the Unity House case.
Cynthia Weston, Inspector Wasserman, Dr. S.A. Berrisford, Dr. Alan GoldmanThe group therapy session begins.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Ralph, Miriam, Lana, GildaCynthia hallucinates the Unity House fire during therapy.
Cynthia Weston, Adrian Harris, Dr. Alan Goldman, Ralph, Miriam, LanaCynthia snaps back to reality.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, MiriamCynthia recounts the fire to the doctors.
Cynthia Weston, Inspector Wasserman, Dr. S.A. Berrisford, Dr. Alan Goldman, HettieCynthia is approached by Lana.
Cynthia Weston, Miriam, LanaCynthia hallucinates Lana's death.
Cynthia Weston, Adrian Harris, LanaCynthia is sedated.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. S.A. Berrisford, Dr. Alan Goldman, HettiePatients discuss Lana's death.
Ralph, HettieCynthia is distressed by Connie's talk.
Cynthia Weston, Miriam, Gilda, ConnieMiriam comforts Cynthia.
Cynthia Weston, MiriamMiriam visits Cynthia, who is crying. Cynthia insists Harris is responsible for Lana's death. Miriam tries to convince Cynthia to leave the clinic and start a new life by writing a story about her experiences.
Cynthia Weston, MiriamCynthia and Miriam head toward the elevators. They encounter Alan. Miriam enters the elevator, but Harris appears behind her as the doors close.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Miriam, Adrian HarrisCynthia runs down the stairs to catch the elevator, followed by Alan.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanCynthia fails to stop the elevator and continues running.
Cynthia WestonCynthia trips and falls while running from Alan.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanCynthia experiences a hallucination of being chased by cult members near Unity House.
Cynthia Weston, Adrian HarrisCynthia is found by an orderly in the stairwell.
Cynthia WestonCynthia reaches the elevator, finds it empty, and witnesses a woman falling from a window.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, HettieMiriam falls through the sky and hits the ground.
MiriamCynthia and other patients discuss the recent deaths. Dr. Berrisford holds a press conference.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Dr. S.A. Berrisford, Ralph, Gilda, ConnieCynthia hallucinates Harris in her room. Alan enters to comfort her.
Cynthia Weston, Adrian Harris, Dr. Alan GoldmanConnie and Ed take their medication and then sneak out together.
Connie, Ed, HettieAlan talks to Cynthia about her trauma. Cynthia sees Harris in a mirror.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Adrian HarrisConnie and Ed enter the turbine room and are killed.
Connie, EdThe lights go out. Cynthia leaves the room.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanChaos ensues as the lights go out. Edgar discovers the remains of Connie and Ed.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanAlan and an orderly escort Cynthia back to her room. Ralph and Gilda confront Alan about the deaths.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, Ralph, GildaCynthia and Alan wait in her room. Ralph visits and shows a bloodied hand.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, RalphRalph visits Cynthia, showing a bloody hand, before leaving.
Cynthia Weston, VictorRalph walks down the hall followed by his policeman.
Cynthia Weston, VictorCynthia wakes Alan; they discover Ralph missed his medication.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, HettieAlan and Cynthia search for Ralph.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanThey find blood droplets on the floor.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan GoldmanRalph attacks his policeman.
VictorCynthia is abducted by Ralph.
Cynthia Weston, Dr. Alan Goldman, VictorRalph takes Cynthia down to the basement.
Cynthia Weston, VictorAlan arrives too late to stop the elevator.
Dr. Alan GoldmanRalph prevents Cynthia from escaping.
Cynthia Weston, VictorRalph traps Cynthia in the basement and begins a manic monologue.
Cynthia Weston, Victor, Adrian HarrisWasserman arrives at the hospital.
Inspector WassermanWhat we felt... what we believed... was that if people could become selfless enough, if they could free themselves from their egos, they would experience a... togetherness. A... oneness. A Unity. That's where the name came from. We had a dream about a perfect society based on trust. On love. On totally committed togetherness. We weren't trying to change the whole world. We were just trying to change each other.
Real funny, Doctor. Try this for laughs: As soon as you're ambulatory, you're going in front of a Grand Jury, and you're going to be charged with six counts of obstruction of justice and two counts of assault. Then it gets choice: five counts of murder in the first degree, one count of murder in the second degree. Add the civil liability to all that, and you're going to have plenty of time to write that book.
There's other kinds of addictions. We see it in these fringe religious groups... these instant creeds with pseudo-Messianic delusions. You've heard how she talks about Unity House? Perhaps that's her drug. Perhaps she's going through a--withdrawal of sorts. Her memory lapses about Unity House are equally symptomatic... There's some violent turmoil under that pretty little facade.
There are only a few chances for real glory, and most people fuck it up. Most people can't even find the noses on their fucking faces. You want an example? How about EVERY FUCKING DOCTOR in this entire hospital? Do you think I'm just going to let myself slowly dissolve into nothingness here?! I'm talking about a glorious glory. And everybody's trying to drag me down!
A drug induced psychotic state is very suggestible. All we've hearing for days is "Harris, Harris,"... so that's what we all saw... That's what I saw when I took Ralph's pill! It's all part of Berrisford's plan--he has this fucked-up theory about how you still think you're part of the Unity House, and the only way he can prove it is if you want to kill yourself!
Alan. We've opened primary channels of communication. You've opened them, Alan. Let's not rush to throw away our progress. Neuroses are hardly contagious. A few weeks in the group won't hurt Cynthia. With luck, she'll overcome her memory trauma. That would mean progress... not to Mention getting Lieutenant Wasserman off my back. In the meantime...
I believe that you believe it. And I also believe that shooting you up every time you get the heebie-jeebies ain't gonna do shit for your real problems. We gotta get you out of here--get you to some nice place at the beach or the mountains where you can fight your demons in your own way. Right?
I'm afraid so. Look, Cynthia... I'm not saying this to upset you, but the sooner you realize that that whole phase of your life is over, and move on, the better off you're going to be. Why don't you bring this into the open... talk about it in group? Oh, here's our ride.
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