“Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” is the ultimate “I can’t believe this actually happened” binge-watch.
The gripping 2018 four-part docuseries covers the rise and catastrophic fall of Jim Jones and his Peoples Temple.
Jones: part used car salesman, part Rasputin, all chaos – proving once again that the road to hell is paved with free love and empty promises.
I currently rank this doc #4 in my “List of Best Cult Documentaries” (out of 33!).
Trailer for “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle”
Watch “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle”
You can watch Jonestone: Terror in the Jungle:
- for free here: https://archive.org/details/Jonestown_Terror_in_the.Jungle
- on AMC+ (with subscription( at https://www.amcplus.com/shows/jonestown-terror-in-the-jungle–1001044 — you can also get it through Amazon and Apple TV’s partnerships with AMC+
Check out https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/jonestown-terror-in-the-jungle for the latest streaming options.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: na
Release Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Review of “Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle”
“Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle” dives deep into Jim Jones’ charismatic chaos.
This docuseries (running 240 minutes (4 parts), takes you through the shocking rise and fall of the Peoples Temple.
Released in 2018 (on the 40th anniversary of the tragic 1978 Jonestown mass murder-suicide) it uses secret FBI and CIA recordings, unreleased photographs, personal letters, and previously classified documents to paint a vivid picture of the events.
Leonard DiCaprio exec produces this one, based on the best-selling book “The Road to Jonestown” by investigative journalist Jeff Guinn.
Jones, at 47, led over 900 to their deaths.
Why?
Twisted ambition, sheer manipulation.
I think the standout scene is the tapes of his sermons.
The docuseries shows the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan and the subsequent mass suicide.
It’s supplemented by extensive use of audio footage, including CIA and FBI recordings.
You get a feel for the control Jones exerted over followers (who also happen to be surrounded by armed guards).
You think, “Could I get suckered in?”
Turns out, it’s easy… disturbingly so.
In a society thirsting for belonging, Jones’ cocktail was lethal.
The doc explores the significant presence of Black and African American members in the Peoples Temple.
But, fair warning, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
The mass ‘Kool-Aid’ suicide? is gut-wrenching.
The series also covers the separate tragedy of Sharon Amos, one of Jones’s lieutenants, who murdered her three children before killing herself at the Temple’s Georgetown (Guyana) headquarters.
Amos was was Jones’ only follower outside of Jonestown to follow his directive on November 18th.
Another thing I learned from this doc:
Jones’s socialist preaching aligned with the country’s government at the time which was going through changes
Missed?
I wished they had even more background on Jones’ rise. They mention his significant role in San Francisco’s liberal political establishment, including his involvement in Harvey Milk’s election. I feel like an entire episode could be done on Jones’ political connections at that time.
Always leaves you wanting more, eh?
Takeaway? Question everything. Trust, but verify.
Don’t just drink any Kool-Aid someone hands you… metaphorically speaking.
Know your worth. And maybe, just maybe, double-check that charismatic leader’s intentions.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc