Sadistic preacher Jim Jones forms the Peoples Temple after an unusual childhood; the cult's members are captivated; Jones' lust for power becomes unstoppable.

The press exposes the dark side of Jim Jones, causing a mass exodus to Jonestown; his followers soon realize it's not the utopia their leader promised.

A heroic congressman travels to Jonestown; Temple members plot their escape; Jim Jones realizes the walls are closing in and plans his final stand.

The world learns about the mass murder-suicide in Jonestown, orchestrated by cult leader Jim Jones; survivors try to piece their lives back together.