On Friday, Paul Thomas Anderson surprised a Santa Monica audience with a screening of The Master, one of the most anticipated and mystery-shrouded dramas of the season. And judging by the reactions of the viewers—who were treated to the picture after an American Cinematheque theatrical screening of The Shining at the Aero Theater—The Master could also be the first true Oscar contender of the year. Released on September 21, the drama, Anderson’s first feature since his 2007 Oscar-winning There Will Be Blood, stars Philip Seymour Hoffman as a charismatic intellectual who begins a faith-based organization after World War II. Joaquin Phoenix co-stars as a drifter who becomes his right-hand man, only to question the organization’s belief system and his mentor once the group gains a strong following. Amy Adams, Laura Dern, and David Warshovsky round out the cast.

Below,The Master’s first unofficial reviews, courtesy of The Playlist:

“Just saw ‘The Master’. A movie has never made me feel quite like this one did. I can’t describe it or even rate it. I am speechless.” — Michael Gallagher

“The Master was amazing. Oscars all over this one.” — Andrew P. Alderete

“Possibly the best film watching experience I've ever had. #THEMASTER70MM” — Michael Wittle

“Saw The Master in 70mm at the Aero Santa Monica. Surprise screening after The Shining. Its like nothing yvever seen before.” — Kido

Meanwhile, “Bobfilm” at Hollywood Elsewhere added:

Phoenix WILL win Best Actor unless Daniel Day Lewis blows us away with [his] Lincoln performance. This is Raging Bull territory for him. Believe it or not, his performance is stranger than that fake doc he made. The only way I can describe him is ‘animalistic.’ (I think the Master title refers to more of a dog and his master. At least that was the vibe I got).

The film had been a source of speculative controversy after the religious organization it depicts was rumored to be very similar to Scientology. The Master will screen at the Venice Film Festival on September 1 before its U.S. release.