Bonnie Nettles and Marshall Applewhite begin to recruit individuals interested in end-of-the-world Christianity, new age religion, and UFOs - but the disappearance of new members soon drives media attention and family concerns.

Bonnie and Marshall - "Ti" and "Do" enforce strict rules of no family communication. After Ti dies from cancer in 1985, a distraught Do briefly allows members to visit their families, When the members return, Do becomes more controlling.

With the group's dwindling membership compounded by a failed attempt at recruitment, Do begins to plan their exit to the next level.