A cult leader so persuasive that well-known followers like Allison Mack (“Smallville”) and Catherine Oxenberg’s daughter India agree to be “slaves” and brand their inner thighs with his initials.
And the Seagram heiresses (Bronfman sisters) bankroll it all?
I rank it #3 on my list of “The Best Cult Documentaries” (up to 33!)
Trailer for “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult”
Watch “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult”
Watch the first episode (53 min.) of it for free via Starz on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L6HwK5tbTzA; or on Prime Video at https://www.amazon.com/SEDUCED-INSIDE-THE-NXIVM-CULT/dp/B08L5P4BTB.
Here are the other options on JustWatch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/seduced-inside-the-nxivm-cult
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 92/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)
Release Date: October 18, 2020
My Review of “Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult”
Branding and Breaking
The dpc digs into NXIVM’s darkest corners—particularly the secret group, DOS, where women were branded with Raniere’s initials.
The NY Times exposé on this horrifying practice sparked a mass exodus from the cult. Before that, India, like others, was ordered to destroy all incriminating texts and evidence.
The Frank Report, run by former NXIVM insider Frank Parlato, also exposed DOS as a group of “branded slaves.”
The footage of this branding ritual is brutal to watch. You can’t believe something like this could happen in modern times.
India herself was caught up in this insanity. Mack became her “master,” forcing her to comply with Raniere’s every demand.
India recounts in the doc how Raniere told her that since Mack was his slave, he was India’s “Grandmaster.” That one sentence sums up the layers of manipulation and abuse that ran deep in NXIVM.
India almost escapes this madness when she lands a job as an assistant to Pierce Brosnan, but NXIVM’s grip is tight.
They guilt-trip her into thinking she’s betraying the cause. It’s like watching someone drown, knowing they’re so close to the surface but can’t break free.
Down in Mexico
Catherine Oxenberg, (India’s mother), emerges as the hero of this doc. She never gives up on India.
The doc shows how she tirelessly worked to pull India out. Catherine delivers one of the most jaw-dropping moments when she talks about Raniere summoning his “first line slaves” to Mexico for a “group blow job.”
It’s beyond disturbing. This guy isn’t just a con artist—he’s a full-blown predator.
Endgame
The doc highlights the final downfall of NXIVM, including how Raniere’s sentencing and conviction unfolded.
Allison Mack’s deep involvement is tragic. You see how she was once a rising star but fell so far that she became another cog in Raniere’s abusive machine.
Keith Raniere might have prided himself on being a master manipulator, but the women of NXIVM and their families fought back hard. India’s journey to regain her independence is heart-wrenching yet inspiring.
You Can’t Make This $hit Up
The branding of Raniere’s initials on some member’s inner thighs is hard to believe.
And then there’s Keith Raniere reportedly arranged for his female followers to gather in Mexico for a group oral sex session. Even seasoned investigators couldn’t believe it at first, but Oxenberg confirms this nightmare.
Director & Duration The doc is directed by Cecilia Peck and runs 255 minutes across four episodes. Released in 2020, it’s a deep dive into cult psychology and the strength it takes to escape.
In the end, “Seduced” isn’t just about NXIVM. It’s about a mother’s love, the terrifying power of manipulation, and the long road to freedom.
If you think you know the story from the headlines, you don’t. This doc shows you what really happened behind closed doors.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc