Meet the Phoenixes
Although he was born into it, Phoenix recalls very little from the cult. Commenting on his childhood, he said that his parents “believed that this group of people shared their values.” Joaquin’s older brother River, on the other hand, was older by the time his parents decide upon leaving the cult, and so naturally, he was more affected by this cult and their methods than their parents have realized. By the time he was four years old, he lost his virginity.
According to the actor, his parents were idealistic and wanted to belong somewhere; they wanted to find a community that shares their values. However, as soon as they realized the religious cult wasn’t a safe environment for their children, they packed up and left. Sadly, it seems as if it might have been too late.