Description
Harem is inspired by cults in Israel, including one led by a mystic healer who lives in lives in Tel Aviv with 32 wives who birthed him 89 children. In Harem, the healer evaded authorities by isolating his huge ‘family’ from society for 20 years. The women accepted his lifestyle voluntarily. Until… Two sisters – Maya, who is already a part of the cult, and Hagar, who is still in high school and living with her parents – become intoxicated with Shabtai, the cult leader.
At Shabtai’s insistence, Maya encourages Hagar to come ‘into the light’and join the cult. As we dive into the attempts to free the sisters from Shabtai’s grip, we see how submission can be
intoxicating. We follow in detail how charisma and psychological manipulation can ensnare even a rightminded,strong-headed girl like Hagar. As Hagar journeys into the cult, she begins to reveal the secrets hidden behind the thin veil of ‘New Age-sounding’ religious talk – especially the secret concerning a young girl named Tamar and her presence in the cult. This disturbing secret shakes Hagar as she realizes the extent of Shabtai’s domination, leading her to become the agent of Shabtai’s downfall.