Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult (TV Mini Series 2020) Poster

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8/10
Complement to "The Vow."
revchristodd20 October 2020
This documentary series is a more traditional take on the same subject matter as "The Vow." The difference is that while the HBO series took you into NXIVM in a way similar to that of a recruit, presenting the attractive and rational sounding side first, helping you understand how otherwise intelligent people could get involved, this series immediately gets to the weird, culty stuff that, had it been put upfront, would have had people running for the doors at their first seminar. What this series adds is a lot more informaton, about cults from recognized experts, about Keith Reniere's background from journalists, about the various sources from which he and Nancy Salzman cobbled together their teachings. Also, though the main focus is on a high status celebrity mother and daughter, we do get interviews from ordinary people who got caught up in NXIVM. Together with "The Vow," this series gives a more rounded view of a very insidious non-religious cult.
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7/10
Covering the same NXIVM territory but with different perspective
paul-allaer18 October 2020
"Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult" (2020 release; 4 episodes of about 55 min, each) examines the so-called self-help but in reality cult group NXIVM. As Episode 1 "Hooked" opens, we meet India Oxenberg, as she shows us a house and remarks: "I was the first woman in my group of slaves to be branded." She adds: "I was looking for a purposeful life. What happened vs. what I wanted to believe happened?" We then go back in time, and Catherine Oxenberg, of "Dynasty" fame and India's mother, recalls how in 2011 she was invited to an introductory meeting of something called "Executive Success Program" (ESP), and asked India, then 19 yrs. old, to come along. Much to her surprise, Indian agrees and then takes an interest in taking more ESP classes. Catherine reluctantly agrees... At this point we are 10 min. into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this series is directed by film maker Cecilia Peck, daughter of Gregory, and whose prior work includes the Emmy-nominated "Brave Miss World". Here she covers the same territory as the recently concluded 9 part HBO documentary series "The Vow", but with 2 major differences: (i) Peck gets the full cooperation of India Oxenberg (who refused to cooperate with "The Vow" film makers--she is credited as an Executive Producer for "Seduced"), and (ii) Peck skips over a lot of the details of how this self-help group turned into a cult, and instead zeroes in on what India's personal experiences were in her 7+ years at NXIVM (2011-2018). It's not that one is inherently better or worse than the other. But it's also clear why "Seduced" fits perfectly on the more sensationalist, star-oriented STARZ, while "The Vow" premiered on HBO. From my own (subjective) perspective, I appreciated the time (literally: years) and detailed efforts that the makers of "The Vow" took to unearth and bring together all the pieces of a very complicated puzzle.

"Seduced" premiered this weekend on STARZ and is now available on STARZ On Demand and other streaming services. Even though I already know how it all plays out having seen "The Vow", I still plan on watching the remaining 3 episodes of "Seduced". Why? Because you just can't make this stuff up! Facts are always stranger than fiction. If you have any interest in understanding how a cult actually works, or simply are a fan of the Oxenbergs, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

*UPDATE 10/25/20* I just saw Episode II "Indoctrination", which in fact is better than the first episode. India Oxenberg revisits the NXIVM ol' stomping grounds in New Albany, and retells in excruciating details of the "Jness" courses, where Keith Ranieri purposefully blurs the lines between rape and consent and claims with a straight face that "a victim complaining is being the abuser". Yea, you read that right. One of the cult experts explains that the indoctrination methods used by NXIVM are in the same vein as those used by ISIS. Wow, just wow. Just watch!

*UPDATE 11/1/20* Episode III "Enslaved" is now in the books, and it is by far the most explicit and gruesome episode to date. India Oxenberg details how she is ordered by her master (Allison Mack) to seduce Keith Ranieri, while along the way India is isolated, degraded and psychologically raped. There are no words.
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8/10
Looking forward to the last episode
gallagherkellie3 November 2020
This documentary is well made. I can't believe the extent that this cult went to. The leader is the most creepy man - so glad he's now finally behind bars. I'm looking forward to the 4th episode coming onto Stan!
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9/10
If you liked the Vow, this will make your jaw drop
tjpbds10 November 2020
This had SO much more specific details than the Vow. There is a lot of info in Seduced, that was glossed over in the Vow. Highly recommend.
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Head and Culty Shoulders Above "The Vow"
denis-3826 October 2020
Although interested in the subject, I simply had no patience for HBO's "The Vow"--after a few episodes I lost all sympathy for the supposed victims/perpetrators who did nothing but film themselves excessively and express regret that didn't seem awfully sincere. "Seduced" gets right to the ugly heart of the matter and is infinitely more compelling. So far, most of those who seemed to figure so prominently in "The Vow"--justifying and endlessly "explaining" have not shown up--with the exception of actress Catherine Oxenberg, who here seems more like a concerned parent rather than a participant in "The Real Cult Mothers of Los Angeles."
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9/10
Very good.
MsCateArcher9 November 2020
This documentary was better than The Vow. Thank you India Oxenberg, for so honestly sharing your experiences . I have enjoyed this documentary very much, it was a journey through a young woman's sincere experiences ,it was very intense, disturbing at times, but I definitely have learned much about cults from it.
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6/10
Good as follow-up/background for far more substantial effort of The Vow.
etmachina28 December 2020
It seems to be an unpopular opinion that The Vow is superior to Seduced..

I found it far superior and am glad I watched it first. The Vow was apparently too slow of a burn for many viewers, but I personally found the pacing well-suited to explaining the creeping indoctrination (and tortured deprogramming) of cults. I liked the focus on the intensely flawed characters who were leaders of the group and how they struggled with fighting back and their own culpability. And the attention paid to Frank Parloto and key events in the downward spiral of Nxivm were given meaningful focus. It was very nuanced and in-depth, all things considered.

Seduced... is primarily focused on the Oxenburgs, and their story is compelling. But there's less of a psychological (or indeed, legal) battle on display. The emotional scenes are gone, basically - everything is very composed and there's a simple narrative focused on India's escape.

It's highly competent and there are crucial details here, and the Oxenburgs are amazing, mother and daughter - but overall it feels considerably less thorough and like a lean addendum to The Vow rather than an alternative.
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8/10
Fascinating and horrifying
melissamariekrall9 November 2020
I'm sure this series will inevitably be compared to The Vow. Personally, I enjoyed Seduced more. The pace was faster (partially because the season is about half the length as the vow) and somehow still included more information. I felt like this series was much more in depth, both on the inner workings of DOS and Keith Raniere, and was just generally more compelling. The interviews with India and her family are raw and honest, and tell a full picture of the events that transpired during India's time in NXIVM.
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6/10
Sympathy fades as the series progresses
dneher29 November 2020
At first I tried to put myself in the shoes of India Oxenberg, bearing in mind how young she was. However, any sympathy turned to exasperation as her stubborn inability to learn caused the misjudgments to pile up, and as she demonstrated a willingness to endure unceasing degradation. Ultimately, I just wearied of listening to her.
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8/10
Critical thinking is a survival skill
CinefanR14 October 2021
This is a reminder, if one was ever needed (especially in these times, right?), that critical thinking is above all a survival skill.

Although obviously scripted, and more like a damage control move from the protagonists, this is still a fascinating insight into the cult phenomenon and psychology.

I liked the protagonist's mother and grandmother. India was indeed very young, and that is probably why she got away with it, unlike that Smallville actress and the co-president (can't remember their names). It is very entertaining and in the same time cautionary. It's quite fascinating to see where stupidity (not necessarily a low IQ, but bad decision making and ignoring one's intuition) paired with insanity can lead. All these victims are unfortunately part of the problem, although being stupid is not an invitation to abuse. The endless list of criminal activities within this cult is unbelievable. Everyone is lucky to still be alive and they now have a chance to learn, recover and move on. An important lesson for everyone.
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6/10
Hbo was better
ars-686689 November 2020
When the go to India in the room on camera for narration it's like soooo rehearsed and unnatural it's actually annoying to watch
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10/10
Loved The Vow!
zimmdogg-832-53572723 October 2020
I saw this advertising as The Vow was ending and was immediately attracted to it. The people I've gotten to watch The Vow are just as excited to watch this. I especially like the first episodes way of showing the experience/situation, and immediately following with the professional experts opinion on how and what was happening to draw these people in. For quite some time I wouldn't have noticed anything wrong either! I hope they continue on this journey showing how and where and why things went bad.
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7/10
Lock up India and others involved
TastyReviews21 February 2023
This documentary was illuminating and shocking in demonstrating the ways people can be manipulated psychologically. But, regardless of the indoctrination performed on the members of this cult, all the higher ranking members of this group and the DOS group are culpable for their actions. Each and every one states that they did this "for personal betterment" while ANY human with an iota of rationality would understand that the actions taking place would not deliver this. What they truly wanted was VALIDATION from their superiors, something the multitude of wealthy, privileged people that were involved may have been lacking from their personal lives/families. Whether personal betterment or external validation, the actions committed by those involved with recruiting and indoctrination - including India - were acts of selfishness, doing something you know is wrong to promote personal gain. Regardless of the "regret" and the help provided to law enforcement, India did not flip sides until well after the arrest of Keith. Saying it was due to recognising the brand was his initials is a shameful excuse - it is so clear what that marking was and represented. These were all people seeking power and validation, and it is sickening to think so many will go unpunished.

Lastly, the fact that Allison Mack only received a 3 year sentence is disgusting in the context of this documentary.

Why are other 1st level DOS members not also imprisoned? Because Allison was the master of India, who's wealthy royal family felt personal spite towards.

ALL THESE PEOPLE NEED TO BE LOCKED UP FOR AT LEAST 5-10 YEARS.
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3/10
I just didn't fall for it
This whole thing looks like a damage control movie from India's family and herself. She refused other documentraries where she wasn't in control of the script, but she accepted to participate in one that focuses on her and makes her the biggest victim ever on the planet. I didn't eat it up. I think she was evil, she knew what was going on, even mentioning how unconfortable she felt MANY times during the documentary, so she knew she's in the wrong. She destroyed many lives while knowing exactly what she was doing. India should be in jail either, just like every other high level member of this cruel, disgusting cult. It's a very orchestrated documentary with almost zero credibility the way it tries to transform a monster into a victim.
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Nefarious intentions and decently edited
paulterrigno-6545331 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's clear that this is trying to obsolve responsibility from India and Catherine Oxenberg. It's so obvious watching this that it is NOT actually interviews with India and Catherine. All of their dialog is horrendously acted scripts. It's gross actually. You definitely see the truth of the Nxivm cult to some extent but this is fake acting and trying to scream innocence to India and her mother and it's uncomfortable to watch. India seems like a sociopath
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8/10
Even more eye opening than "The Vow"
felixj-4834916 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I found this to be such a great conclusion to the NXIVM cult doccos. Just shows how Keith cannot pretend he was not involved in DOS. I hope he rots in jail.
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10/10
Far superior to The Vow
Opinion0212224 November 2020
I didn't know anything about Keith Ranieri or the NXIVM Cult, but saw The Vow advertised, and decided to watch it. I was very disappointed. I didn't understand the charges brought against them, though I suspected there must be more. Then, I saw an ad for Seduced: inside the NXIVM Cult. I watched it simply because I wanted to understand what The Vow only hinted at.

Seduced went into the cult in depth, MUCH more depth than The Vow! I was morbidly mesmerized, asking how ANY woman could fall fit the lies and actions within this cult. In many ways it reminded me of Scientology, but worse.

Watching the episodes unfold, and listening to experts explaining how the victims' involvement evolved, was eye opening.

I found it fascinating and well done. And I hope Keith Raniere spends the rest of his life in jail, and that his victims find recovery from his abuses!
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6/10
How do people fall for these cults?
troyerchar2 November 2020
Watching the third episode and I'm baffled how people can be so duped.
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10/10
Really enjoyed watching this informative expose
elizrug12 March 2021
This was well-done. Only gripe is that the series ended so soon. That "leader" is a really scary and messed up person.
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6/10
This movie got me to thinking an age old question... Are Religions and/or Cults Nurture or Nature?!
rippleleena1 December 2020
So, what's the honest difference between an organization with millions of true believers with money and an organizations with thousands of believers with money of which 99.9% of each group of followers vow to be bound to their groups to their deaths if called upon yo prove their faith by dying for the leader whose individual philosophies they embrace, and get led/taught from, by "the one"? If anyone answers this question based on a belief system's age, global memberships, annual fiscal intake or any number of these frivolous type answers in an attempt to differentiate between what is a religion and/or cult, just give up now regarding either. Just take either groups' people, yours or theirs, and/or any others that answered this question in such a way, for the same amount of therapy and possibly much more than that u'all are accusing the others of different groups of needing, because they and you are indeed as mentally imbalanced, unhealthy, confused, misgided, manipulated, lied to for all your deep pockets of wealth, so how do you and your group dare consider yourselve's group any less mentally disturbed? As a matter of fact, if honesty is what's up, what is the tru difference between a religion and a cult. If you think only your faith is correct and everyone else's is a cult, then therapy has your name written all over it. Regardless of what title/name/brand/ID is applied to a group of followers of whatever or certain belief, when face-to-face neither can continually respect or tolerate the others' presence/faith as individuals/groups for long, even when classified under the same umbrella ID/name. Two or more opposite-believing factions at some point will end up in bloody confrontation trying to prevent any perceived or possible brainwashing from one or within any other of their group - - which is exactly what a group's intentions are, and why they're jumping to conclusions brought on by their own paranoia, by trying to beat the other group to the punch by throwing the first punch - - exploding as much opposite non-believer blood all over everywhere, each other, plus any Innocents caught up in the melee, which if/when this sort of thing happens, they (whomever/whichever groups are involved) later point fingers at each other or, if real push-comes-to-shove, the groups both just claim that ole adage, "...collateral damage...", wherein neither takes responsibility for the outburst(s) of violence, rage, jealousy, ignorance or stupidity, leaving the families, friends, the communities, and the government in the form of taxpayer dollars to clean up the messes left behind by waring zealots, whom unknowingly, because they are so stuck-on-stupid, are doing nothing to improve their mental and emotional lots, but instead they are ONLY SECURING & INSURING THEIR NDIVIDUAL "PIMP'N" LEADER'S BANK ROLL. And, if the truth is to be told/known, brainwashing from another group is a real threat because each individuals groups' leader filled their member ranks by brainwashing, so why not use the truth/reason/excuse used to prevent paying members from switching groups with their bank accounts in tow by getting the currently brainwashed members to prevent the obviously other gullibles from disconnecting from the current group, which is how they brainwashed them away from their families and the good part of society as s whole in the first place. The leaders teach faith, but only embrace greed. So, no matter how many truly global faithful member lives are lost when they encourage these faith based wars to keep their membership up, leadership doesn't ever suffer...never ever! If the gtoup loses a war, they steal the group's wealth just moving on, leaving the shattered, shattered and start grifting anew somewheres else...

All this brought about by the collaborative disgusting, deliberate and greedy misleaderships of each faction whom will often put their heads together to pull off dven bigger scams. The leaders are nothing but grifters after all! Isn't it funny how the heads of each of these religions/cults always manage to get away unscathed, untouched, unharmed in any manner, taking with them all the money/riches/wealth, leaving behind them only empty safes, vaults, holes in the the house's wine cellars to the barns root cellers. Don't forget all those empty holes in the yards, fields and those with tombstones on them tressed-up like family crips/plots/graves. No one ever sees the leaders again in life. Yes, like I said, they scurry off to start a whole new same-same, game-game under a new name-name. LOL! Creating more wars, havoc & strife whenever they come face-to-face with each other. Plus, the very simple fact that each of them thinks that they are a groups answer to happiness when the only person getting happy is them, the one at the top of the pyramid schemes, because they have so many quote-unquote believers & followers pyramid-paying the heads of the institutions that they believe in and are bound to--them, the leader. As believers that were being abused, they are now unknowingly paying a new abuser to abuse them.

If a people live their whole lives believing in one belief, from birth to death, generation after generation, how many ever got/get to truly know themselves, because they were taught to live in fear, never to challenge the teachings?! Why do so many challenge government after government, but never challenge religion after religion?

Are Religions and/or Cults Nurture or Nature?!
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10/10
Wow -- incredible work by a team of brilliant documentarians
nick9496516 January 2021
This is one outstanding project that is handled with amazing intelligence and sensitivity. It is too bad that the Academy Awards cannot be offered to a series, since it is probably one of the best of the year. However, it would be impossible to tell the story in only 2 hours or less.

The entire series is quite engrossing, without a single missed step or a massive amount of filler material. Each person who is on screen is engaging, in particular the main protagonist, India Oxenberg herself. In showing Keith Raniere's power over the women, there is an amazing amount of insider footage, and some of his speeches are overtly revealing of his sheer unabashed narcissism and sociopathy.

The one wild card that is still unclear is how he was able to coerce Allison Mack into the insider harum and have her carry out most of the insidious trafficking, and the other baffling mystery has to do with the Bronfman Sisters, the heiresses to a multi-billion dollar empire, who willingly gave Keith as much money as he needed to manipulate them. That is one story that would be worth pursuing, if anyone were able to do so.

India Oxenberg, as the daughter of a one-time successful actress, must have had a lack of self confidence that allowed her to become absorbed into the cult just as the women of Charles Manson and several other cult leaders did. The fact that she is intelligent, had a successful mother, and a very noble family lineage did not prepare her to be taken in by what seems like an obvious megalomaniac. Watching her take on the master manipulator and turning the tables on him is more fascinating than any mystery thriller script that Hollywood is churning out. As usual, truth is stranger than fiction and this series has enough plot twists to rival any detective or noir crime series currently out on the airwaves.
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6/10
Interesting and disturbing
confidential-678979 November 2020
My main take away from this show is how stupid were these women, and also India is lucky not to be in jail. She made other women go through what she did, and brought in slaves for Keith just so she could get paid.
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10/10
Man it never ends the monsters....
rusoviet26 October 2020
....that keep carbon copying trying to '...get back to the garden...' - be it 'Synanon' 'Scientology' 'EST' 'Children of God', 'Prosperity Gospel hucksters' 'communism' Bhagham Shri Rajneesh, 'Hale Bopp Comet's 'Heavens Gate'....

granted the foregoing are varying levels of this insanity but they have one thing in common - we have the truth, don't trust anyone else, proselytize - get more to join, separate from your family and friends, free yourself sexually, let the leader 'bang' you if he/she wants, we have the path back to the garden and we can overcome anything God has put there to block it

(MT 11:12)
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6/10
A fair bit inferior to the Vow
drael649 November 2020
It's creates a sort of picture of the events that lacks depth and detail. Aims for a sort of almost shock journalism. It's more frank about that, but it's also kind of misleading. For a full picture watch 'the vow' as well.
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4/10
Does not feel like a documentary
edenleviathan31 October 2020
What a shame! It feels more of a scripted tv show to present India as a Victim instead of a real document of the experience. You can really tell when India (the main character) is talking about her experience that she is reading from a script. I was hoping to really understand more the behind the scenes after watching The Vow.
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