5 Movies Blurring The Line Between Cults and Coachella
Sharai Bohannon
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If you’re like me then you can’t afford Coachella tickets. You’re probably also surprised that it’s not actually called Beychella after the event that made you pay attention to the fest a few years ago. While I would’ve loved to see Megan Thee Stallion, I was never going to be able to afford those tickets or travel. I also don’t believe in being outdoors, hiking around to stand in different sunny places, or any of the other major conveniences that are not on brand for me. While I’ve never been to Coachella, I am an American. Meaning not knowing what’s going on doesn’t mean I don’t have opinions and ideas about what’s going on.
That being said I have a very clear idea of what Coachella is via Instagram. Lots of sunburn, wild fashion choices, and stumbling around wondering if you’ve overdone it on your vice of choice. Fun on paper, but not enough walls and a/c to be a good time IRL. That’s why I think a lot of cult movies can give us the Coachella experience from the safety of our own couches. While The Wicker Man (1973) disappeared from streamers the second I pitched this idea, I think there’s a lot of fun to be had on the usual streaming suspects anyway.
The Babysitter (2017)
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
This movie wants us to believe that Bee (Samara Weaving) is a cool girl in a satanic cult. However, it’s hard to imagine her and the crew were doing anything but stumbling around Coachella waiting for Harry Styles to go on. The film’s music video through a 70s Instagram filter aesthetic also supports the idea that this is a trendy friend group ready to hear some live music. Maybe if Cole (Judah Lewis) had minded his business, the squad would’ve partied the night away instead of having to chase him around to keep him from talking. If you enjoy the ride then the sequel also lives on Netflix.
Midsommar (2019)
Where You Can Watch: Showtime
Even though I didn’t live for Midsommar, I respect going to a festival to win. Dani (Florence Pugh) not only wins the flower crown situation but also loses a garbage boyfriend in the process. This movie was also the first time I realized Coachella could happen in Sweden. Endless concerts, glamping, and international travel? Yes, please! This Coachella cult knows how to get the millennials even before Arcade Fire takes the stage. Because this movie has a runtime of 2.5 hours you really do feel like you’re at a daytime festival rethinking all of your choices. Hydrate and remember to pack your sunglasses if this is a first watch.
The Other Lamb (2019)
Where You Can Watch: Hulu
Selah (Raffey Cassidy) is a young woman in a cult led by a man. We could talk about The Handmaid’s Tale fashion and how this large squad separates themselves by color scheme. Or how Michiel Huisman is serving more of a The Lumineers than his usual Mumford and Sons vibes. However, it’s still dripping a lot more trauma and livestock than most of the movies on this list. Although, I’ve always imagined lambs running wild at outdoor festivals. I can’t disprove this because I’m not going to pay hundreds of dollars to stand outside. This might be the most cult movie on the list even with its own brand of Coachella vibes.
*Content Warning: This movie has moments of grooming and sexual assault.*
The Triangle (2016)
Where You Can Watch: Tubi
The Triangle is literally about four filmmakers taking cameras to the Montana wilderness. They then camp out with a community that’s acting really weird if they’re not all on shrooms. What’s more Coachella than grabbing friends and telling them to charge their cameras and phones? Look at the man in the photo chosen for this section? Does he look like this is his first outdoor music festival? Does he not look like he hasn’t been here long enough to have his favorite porta potty? I don’t even think he’s at Coachella for the music anymore. I think he’s there for vibes and to see if he can get in on some of these shrooms before The Shallows‘ new fans show up.
The Void (2016)
Where You Can Watch: Shudder
I was starting to wonder if this movie would fit the list when the cloaked figures showed up. I think if we read between the lines this is about a weird band getting lost on their way to perform. Like some pop stars that try too hard, they’ve decided to make their confusion everyone else’s problem. I’m not saying that Billie Eilish was expecting them to join her on stage, but I’m not not saying that. Whatever the reason they weren’t at their call time, they raised a lot of cosmic hell anyway and we love to see it!
Did I miss any Coachella Cults that belong on the list? Let me know at @misssharai.
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