"Tampa Bay's 10" reported on the opening of the film at the Cinema Cafe in Clearwater, Florida on August 24, 2001, noting the film's controversial nature, and the fact that it appeared to be an exposé of the Church of Scientology. The report stated that a subtle message of the film was director Alexander's critique of Scientology and his motivation to bring information about it to the public. In an interview with "Tampa Bay's 10", Alexander stated he was trying to expose a hoax, and give others insight into "what it is that makes people join cults." "Fox 13 News" called the film's portrayal of the Church of Scientific Spirituality as "oddly similar to the real world's Church of Scientology," while reporting that Alexander asserted character L. Conrad Powers was actually a composite character, based on several "alleged cult leaders." Alexander stated in an interview with "FOX 13 News", that he felt he could better inform others about cults through a fictional portrayal than he could have through a documentary.