Elisabeth Moss Demystifies Scientology, One Honest Breather at a Time
When you think of the cult that promises immortal souls and a spiritual buddy hanging out inside your body, you’re probably picturing a closed‑door, mystery‑laden institution. But Miss Moss, the 39‑year‑old powerhouse behind The Handmaid’s Tale, has been coming from the inside looking out, and she’s got something to say about the whole shtick.
“It’s Not a Trophy‑case Religion”
“The religion isn’t all about lock‑the‑doors and whispering incense in a dim, creepy basement,” she told us. “It’s much more like a welcome mat that spills out on any curious soul who wants to learn about it.” And that, she says, is the biggest misunderstanding people fall into.
She laughs that her role in the cult school of thought boils down to:
- Believing every single human is an immortal being.
- Thinking you have a celestial roommate in your body.
- And, you guessed it, the idea that you’re always welcome to stick your nose in.
“I can’t control how people think about it,” she explains. “If you’re not in the same corner, your own thoughts will be on a different bench.”
The Good‑Cheers of Theocracy “Resist‑Power”
Now, let’s spin to the Blockbuster world of a dystopian society. Could the rebellion against a theocratic regime be the next big theme of her career?
“I care a lot about religious freedom and raising the flag against any authoritarian tech that follows a single leader or a council,” Moss says. “But it’s a tightrope walk for me. I want folks to see the character, not get lost in the personal backstage gossip.”
She turns the camera on herself when people try to pry: “Imagine I’m in the middle of a scene, and you’re already googling my breakup or my hot‑yoga routine because you remember my interview. That’s a distraction.”
Instead of spilling her personal cheese, she gives the advice:
- Dig in and read the actual source material.
- Build your own relationship with the character.
- And, if you’re reading something that feels like it, stop—don’t let it be rumor gospel.
Wrap‑Up
Elisabeth Moss reminds us that sometimes the best way of looking into a world or a cult is just a straightforward honest conversation with the people that live it. She’d rather we read the books, see the shows, and not let the rumors steer us. And that’s a fresh take on a subject that’s almost always been cloaked in mystery.
