When She Returned

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, death by suicide, and death.

Cults are groups that demand extreme dedication to an idea or person, often with a religious foundation or inspiration. Many of these beliefs are grounded in a fundamental conflict between “believers” and “outsiders,” as well as a transcendent ideal that the group members want to achieve. Cults are usually led by a small group or just a single person, and that leader is usually charismatic, domineering, narcissistic, and manipulative. Cult leaders like Jim Jones, David Koresh, and even Charles Manson draw in followers with deception and manipulation, demanding total loyalty, even to the point of abusing or killing others. Jones (1931-1978), the infamous leader of the People’s Temple, convinced his followers to participate in a mass death by suicide, leading to the deaths of over 900 people at Jonestown. Koresh (1959-1993) was the leader of the Branch Dividians, a cult in Waco, Texas, that ended in a standoff with federal officers with the deaths of nearly 80 members, including children. Charles Manson (1934-2017) was one of the most notorious cult leaders in American history, who led his followers to murder several innocent victims in California. In each case, the leader deflects criticism by outsiders, instead pointing their followers to an external, existential threat that they must be ready to fight. Usually, cult members are promised a spiritual or transcendental reward for their loyalty, such as entrance to heaven or ascension to a higher plan of existence.

In When She Returned, Ray Fischer is a classic example of a cult leader. Though he is wealthy, his true aim is to control people, as exemplified in the exchange system Margo describes to Kate, and he creates an origin story that better serves his purposes. Ray also changes his name to Abner, signifying his rebirth as the effective god of the cult, making his rules synonymous with “God’s laws.” Critically, he orients the group against the threat of invasion by “outsiders,” though the motivation for this prophesied invasion is never detailed. Abner uses his authority to abuse the members, specifically through beatings and sex, which are all framed as the will of God. Through Ray, Berry offers a portrait of a cult leader that reflects various examples throughout history, exploring the psychology of cult and cult members through his leadership.