42 reviews
Could have been tied up in one slightly longer episode
I've just finished this series of three episodes which I initially found interesting, I think it's great to uncover stories like this and the interviewees were incredibly brave for speaking out. But... episode two and three didn't take the story much further or resolve anything and there was a lot more filler that went off point. I wish the editors had just summed it all up in one longer episode, three episodes was totally unnecessary and a bit disrespectful of viewers time. Please Netflix - if the story doesn't go anywhere then cut it down! Stop trying to make a series when there simply isn't the content for a series.
- leannewarren-88617
- May 31, 2024
- Permalink
Watchable, but it does drag on.
You may be forgiven for thinking this is just another Netflix cult story, and for the most part, it is just exactly that, it's another Netflix cult story.
Parts one and three dragged on a bit, the second episode however was interesting, with some surprising and revealing information.
Part of me still struggles to see how these young people and up falling for such nonsense, and landing up in cults, but it seems to keep on happening. Is it my British cynicism striking once again?
Sometimes it feels so artificial, too much is done for the cameras, and as such it feels artificial.
Gen Z is definitely not shown in a great light, Miranda's life through social media is quite tragic to watch, everything she does seems fake and insincere, tragically she looks dead behind her eyes.
Overall, it's watchable enough, but I do wish Netflix had condensed it down to two episodes.
6/10.
Parts one and three dragged on a bit, the second episode however was interesting, with some surprising and revealing information.
Part of me still struggles to see how these young people and up falling for such nonsense, and landing up in cults, but it seems to keep on happening. Is it my British cynicism striking once again?
Sometimes it feels so artificial, too much is done for the cameras, and as such it feels artificial.
Gen Z is definitely not shown in a great light, Miranda's life through social media is quite tragic to watch, everything she does seems fake and insincere, tragically she looks dead behind her eyes.
Overall, it's watchable enough, but I do wish Netflix had condensed it down to two episodes.
6/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Jun 22, 2024
- Permalink
What about Bob?
- MovieShrink7
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink
Another tale of the damage inflicted by a greedy megalomaniac
Too long, could have been just a documentary
As many people point out, the story is too short to be made into a series, if it was an 1 hour and half documentary it would have been a lot more consistent. The story is necessary to be told, I myself didn't know about it, and it's hard to understand how people subject them selves to this kind of cult, particularly Miranda, who looked like had everything, a supportive family,a loving sister. Why she would abandoned them and everything to live with a crazy old man with a history of abuse, it's hard to understand.
I agree that people have the right to choose their own paths, even to follow crazy religions , but if there are evidences of sexual assault, as it seems to be the case here, so there should be intervention and investigation, because there are victims. Many victims of sexual abuse don't get away of it because they are too afraid, or because they are threatened, so this is when the police should take a step, which doesn't seem to be the case here. At least they show as if the police couldn't care less about the situation, which is really sad The worst from this miniseries is how they put aside the most serious case involving the cult, the Korean sisters who were actually abused, the series show a little or almost nothing of what happened to them or others like them and this is really frustrating Miranda's sister seem to be the one who suffers more, I really feel sorry for her, and I agree that the parents must not ignore the facts only to be able to see Miranda a little while every year. Miranda's time with the parents at the end is clearly completely superficial, you can see how uncomfortable she is, and how everything seems fake, and her sister is the only one who seems to understand this. All we can hope for is that one day this evil leader may be punished, so he won't hurt anyone else.
I agree that people have the right to choose their own paths, even to follow crazy religions , but if there are evidences of sexual assault, as it seems to be the case here, so there should be intervention and investigation, because there are victims. Many victims of sexual abuse don't get away of it because they are too afraid, or because they are threatened, so this is when the police should take a step, which doesn't seem to be the case here. At least they show as if the police couldn't care less about the situation, which is really sad The worst from this miniseries is how they put aside the most serious case involving the cult, the Korean sisters who were actually abused, the series show a little or almost nothing of what happened to them or others like them and this is really frustrating Miranda's sister seem to be the one who suffers more, I really feel sorry for her, and I agree that the parents must not ignore the facts only to be able to see Miranda a little while every year. Miranda's time with the parents at the end is clearly completely superficial, you can see how uncomfortable she is, and how everything seems fake, and her sister is the only one who seems to understand this. All we can hope for is that one day this evil leader may be punished, so he won't hurt anyone else.
- fabianechuck
- Jun 3, 2024
- Permalink
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Another upsetting case of vulnerable people getting swallowed by cults and religion. The exploitative, predatory leaders of course get away with everything because "religious freedom" *barf*..
Seriously, you can have your beliefs about an afterlife without ever joining any church or movement.. without following a bunch of rules that are made-up to benefit the predatory leaders (yuck!)
People are lonely and we urgently need plenty of affordable, non-religious meetup community spaces all around the world where people can go to when they crave community. A place where people can grab a coffee, talk to each other, play board games, etc.. I think that would benefit society WAY more than any "holy" building (They exist for power and profit).
When it comes to this documentary, I sincerely hope that Miranda and the other cult members wakes tf up and see what's really going on. And the ex-members who are trying to get Robert convicted; I cheer for you all the way from the other side of the atlantic ocean.. Take that mf DOWN!
Seriously, you can have your beliefs about an afterlife without ever joining any church or movement.. without following a bunch of rules that are made-up to benefit the predatory leaders (yuck!)
People are lonely and we urgently need plenty of affordable, non-religious meetup community spaces all around the world where people can go to when they crave community. A place where people can grab a coffee, talk to each other, play board games, etc.. I think that would benefit society WAY more than any "holy" building (They exist for power and profit).
When it comes to this documentary, I sincerely hope that Miranda and the other cult members wakes tf up and see what's really going on. And the ex-members who are trying to get Robert convicted; I cheer for you all the way from the other side of the atlantic ocean.. Take that mf DOWN!
Too soon for a documentary
Another cult-investigative documentary
As Episode 1 of "Dancing For the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" (2024 release; 3 episodes ranging 49-38 min each) opens, we are in "Detroit, MI" and a woman named Melissa laments "I miss my sister so much". That would be Miranda, whose dance videos, made by 7M, have gone viral on TIkTok. 7M happens to be run by a pastor of the Shekinah Church in Los Angeles. Miranda has severed all contact with her family... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Derek Doneen ("The Price of Free"). Here he digs into the situation at the Shekinah Church in Los Angeles which also runs the "talent management" company called 7M. The documentary's talking heads are primarily former members who have left. We are given ample evidence of financial shenanigans and worse. A man who claims to be "Man of God" and manipulates people into believing that if they please him, they please God directly. Hmmm, where have we heard this before? It is your classical cult. It never fails to amaze me how people still fall for this, time and again. At 3 episodes, this clips by in no time.
"Dancing For the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" premiered on Netflix earlier this week. I watched all 3 episodes in a single setting. If you are intrigued how people get sucked into a cult, whether they realize or or not, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Derek Doneen ("The Price of Free"). Here he digs into the situation at the Shekinah Church in Los Angeles which also runs the "talent management" company called 7M. The documentary's talking heads are primarily former members who have left. We are given ample evidence of financial shenanigans and worse. A man who claims to be "Man of God" and manipulates people into believing that if they please him, they please God directly. Hmmm, where have we heard this before? It is your classical cult. It never fails to amaze me how people still fall for this, time and again. At 3 episodes, this clips by in no time.
"Dancing For the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" premiered on Netflix earlier this week. I watched all 3 episodes in a single setting. If you are intrigued how people get sucked into a cult, whether they realize or or not, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
- paul-allaer
- Jun 1, 2024
- Permalink
This was missing something
Netflix True Crime docuseries are usually well done and are great. This one was missing something for me.
I do not have tik toc and was unfamiliar with all of the dancing that takes place on that social media platform. I also never heard of the Shekinah cult or the 7M Managemebt Company. So I was interested in learning more.
I watched all of the series and I feel I do not know that much about the Shekinah Cult. I was expecting to learn much more. It appears they are doing a good job at keeping the inter-workings of their cult secretive.
Only a few former cult members are interviewed and they don't share that much information.
If you want to watch a true crime series without paying attention and multi-tasking then this show is one to watch.
I do not have tik toc and was unfamiliar with all of the dancing that takes place on that social media platform. I also never heard of the Shekinah cult or the 7M Managemebt Company. So I was interested in learning more.
I watched all of the series and I feel I do not know that much about the Shekinah Cult. I was expecting to learn much more. It appears they are doing a good job at keeping the inter-workings of their cult secretive.
Only a few former cult members are interviewed and they don't share that much information.
If you want to watch a true crime series without paying attention and multi-tasking then this show is one to watch.
Intriguing
I don't condone tiktok and the celebrity status being so easy to obtain.
And it wasn't a bad series either.
... But why call it "for the devil"?
Even the synopsis suggests dark aspects, so I expected dark forces worshipping. Which was not the case. It was just a fallen pastor. Which we see hundreds like him, but we don't call them all devils, do we?
All in all a decent watch, plenty of evidence, film quality quite good, easy to follow etc.
Could have been done shorter. In one longer episode, or two of the existing length.
And most important of all, the message is clear : parents need to be careful on what children do with the Internet, and desperately try to keep it more traditional. Before it's not too late!
And it wasn't a bad series either.
... But why call it "for the devil"?
Even the synopsis suggests dark aspects, so I expected dark forces worshipping. Which was not the case. It was just a fallen pastor. Which we see hundreds like him, but we don't call them all devils, do we?
All in all a decent watch, plenty of evidence, film quality quite good, easy to follow etc.
Could have been done shorter. In one longer episode, or two of the existing length.
And most important of all, the message is clear : parents need to be careful on what children do with the Internet, and desperately try to keep it more traditional. Before it's not too late!
Drags a bit.
Typical Netflix doc.
First episode is interesting, telling a tale of the TicTok dance craze phenomenon that kids seem so entranced by, personally I don't get it, but the story is about the manipulation by a "Man Of God" who in the time honoured tradition of presenting himself as an artist's manager and Christian church leader proceeds to rip off his young artists/followers.
After the first episode it just starts to drag out people's stories over the next 2 episodes, with no particular resolution. I guess they're rather hoping that eventually there'll be enough for a follow up further 2 or 3 episodes. This could have been a succinct 1 hour, 8 star programme, however as it is, it's a bloated 5 stars, tops.
First episode is interesting, telling a tale of the TicTok dance craze phenomenon that kids seem so entranced by, personally I don't get it, but the story is about the manipulation by a "Man Of God" who in the time honoured tradition of presenting himself as an artist's manager and Christian church leader proceeds to rip off his young artists/followers.
After the first episode it just starts to drag out people's stories over the next 2 episodes, with no particular resolution. I guess they're rather hoping that eventually there'll be enough for a follow up further 2 or 3 episodes. This could have been a succinct 1 hour, 8 star programme, however as it is, it's a bloated 5 stars, tops.
- crispian2000
- May 29, 2024
- Permalink
When cult leader meets Tik Tok influencers
Robert Shinn saw a golden opportunity to expand his flock by 7 million followers through his son's band of influential Tik Tok dancers, and dollar signs danced across his eyes. His true intent lies plainly in the title of company he set up to do so - 7M Management, that is to manage 7 million potential followers and their coffers, because those who follow these dancers would by proxy be following him in his demented grandiose mind.
It was especially heartbreaking to see Dean, Miranda's father, breaking down in tears as he described his horrific realisation that he was losing his daughter to the cult of Robert Shinn. Only thirty minutes into the first episode, you can see the mechanism of the cult churning away at isolating the dancers from their families to gain total and complete control over them in the name of Jesus.
I am not a believer in religion but I also would never believe something as omnipotent as a god would care for a portion of our earnings; what use would they have for it. What has Robert Shinn or any of the other proselytisers done with all the money they have stolen from their followers, other than spend it on themselves? These malignant narcissists know the power of religion and wield it to gain supply, but their appetite is insatiable. In the age of social media and rapid influence, it is more relevant than ever before to question someone's motives when they use the influence of religion on you.
It was especially heartbreaking to see Dean, Miranda's father, breaking down in tears as he described his horrific realisation that he was losing his daughter to the cult of Robert Shinn. Only thirty minutes into the first episode, you can see the mechanism of the cult churning away at isolating the dancers from their families to gain total and complete control over them in the name of Jesus.
I am not a believer in religion but I also would never believe something as omnipotent as a god would care for a portion of our earnings; what use would they have for it. What has Robert Shinn or any of the other proselytisers done with all the money they have stolen from their followers, other than spend it on themselves? These malignant narcissists know the power of religion and wield it to gain supply, but their appetite is insatiable. In the age of social media and rapid influence, it is more relevant than ever before to question someone's motives when they use the influence of religion on you.
Hard to Watch, Impossible to finish
The people in this all have brain rot from Tiktok, including the creators. It is unfocused, jumping around, narrative all over the place. People are really annoying to listen to, watching the Tiktok dancing made me sick after awhile.
The pacing is like an ADHD kid telling you how to make lemon water for 3 hours. There is 2 ingredients, yet they are mind melted and deviate all over the place and instead of being direct just throw filler of tiktok videos. Half the series is dumb tiktok videos.
How this got a green light is beyond me. Some pointers to make it good: Dont let annoying people talk too much, dont show annoying naggy people being annoying and naggy, dont show Tiktok videos of dumb people doing dumb dances. Shorten your video, the amount of content here can be in 1 hour. Focus.
The pacing is like an ADHD kid telling you how to make lemon water for 3 hours. There is 2 ingredients, yet they are mind melted and deviate all over the place and instead of being direct just throw filler of tiktok videos. Half the series is dumb tiktok videos.
How this got a green light is beyond me. Some pointers to make it good: Dont let annoying people talk too much, dont show annoying naggy people being annoying and naggy, dont show Tiktok videos of dumb people doing dumb dances. Shorten your video, the amount of content here can be in 1 hour. Focus.
- eriklewis-83891
- Jun 8, 2024
- Permalink
Absolutely pointless
This is quite literally the most pointless documentary I've EVER seen and that's saying something, even for a Netflix thing. I hate that Netflix somehow always managed to turn a story that could be told in 10 minutes into a multi part waste of time. After three hours, absolutely NOTHING is resolved and it very quickly turns from a documentary about dancers and cults to a couple of individuals regretting their own idiotic decisions and trying to blame their families and anyone but themselves and then being annoyed when they're told they can't sue anyone because no one did anything. Such a waste of time I'm actually angry.
- will-thomson-86611
- Jun 13, 2024
- Permalink
A show about gullible people and a weird, creepy man
This could've been a lot better. It's so drawn out because they insist on showing many clips of this awful "social media dancing", which isn't even good and is choreographed poorly. To make it worse, they play sound clips of the incredibly creepy and grating voice of Robert over them, which makes it even more painful to watch. Also, there's really nothing to this other than a family exploited low-IQ, gullible people to line their pockets with money. Kind of like what pastors at every mega church too. Just another Joel Osteen-lite.
You can tell this entire story in a 45 minute episode. Also there isn't much of a conclusion, yet. Premature, drawn-out series, most likely just being used as a cash grab, which is super ironic given that the context of this documentary is gullible people being exploited for money!
You can tell this entire story in a 45 minute episode. Also there isn't much of a conclusion, yet. Premature, drawn-out series, most likely just being used as a cash grab, which is super ironic given that the context of this documentary is gullible people being exploited for money!
- a-gordon-2374
- Jun 1, 2024
- Permalink
Riveting deep-dive into cult psychology
Masterful documentary focusing on firsthand primary source interviews. The survivors' stories enhanced my understanding of cult dynamics, red flags and brainwashing techniques. Robert Shinn has his followers convinced that they will suffer forever if they don't become slaves for him in every sense. This film will help inoculate the audience against similar predatory schemes.
I was especially moved by Priscylla's story in Part II. I wish her the best as she is healing from trauma and rebuilding her life. I admire her bravery in leaving and taking care of herself despite still being brainwashed at the time. I hope that over time, she feels with her whole heart that she is safe from the nonsense preached by Robert Shinn, that she experiences the love and worthiness she deserves, and that her relationships with friends & family continue to blossom and flourish.
I was especially moved by Priscylla's story in Part II. I wish her the best as she is healing from trauma and rebuilding her life. I admire her bravery in leaving and taking care of herself despite still being brainwashed at the time. I hope that over time, she feels with her whole heart that she is safe from the nonsense preached by Robert Shinn, that she experiences the love and worthiness she deserves, and that her relationships with friends & family continue to blossom and flourish.
Boring. Lost interest.
Oh dear. Yet another unnecessarily long documentary from Netflix; expanding to not one but three whole episodes. There was simply no need for it to be so long and could have easily been achieved in just one episode. Hugely annoying.
Netflix's plan to make more than one episode to provide more content for users; and thus increases the number of hours people spend watching Netflix, has only backfired on them - as I gave up after watching the first episode.
I have absolutely loved watching documentaries on Netflix over the years and I watch documentaries more than anything else. But I fear that Netflix is going downhill. With great sadness, I have cancelled my subscription with them.
This documentary not only too long, but rather boring. There was far too much dancing. What a waste of my time.
Netflix's plan to make more than one episode to provide more content for users; and thus increases the number of hours people spend watching Netflix, has only backfired on them - as I gave up after watching the first episode.
I have absolutely loved watching documentaries on Netflix over the years and I watch documentaries more than anything else. But I fear that Netflix is going downhill. With great sadness, I have cancelled my subscription with them.
This documentary not only too long, but rather boring. There was far too much dancing. What a waste of my time.
Litrally an unfinished product.
- brsysyrian
- May 31, 2024
- Permalink
If only...
- mauricepuhlmann
- May 29, 2024
- Permalink
Very powerful and moving but frustrating outcome right now
Very Low Quality
Maybe Netflix should consider mailing Viewers coupons who were able to sit through all 3 Episodes. Seemed very tedious and repetitive without much in the means of evidence or a conclusion. The family and the sister are disappointed because their daughter decided to cut off contact with them, we get it. Whether this was done because the family is toxic or too clingy remains an open question. Although after sitting through almost 3 hours of this nonsense, most viewers will probably have decided to cut off contact with any future productions about this Topic as well, that's for certain.
It's disappointing Netflix does not do a better job of screening out contentless pulp like this "Documentary".
It's disappointing Netflix does not do a better job of screening out contentless pulp like this "Documentary".
- Erik-Movie-Reviews
- Jun 12, 2024
- Permalink
Another unresolved time waster
- jyaz-66065
- Jun 12, 2024
- Permalink
Oh the stupidity
Always blows my mind how people get sucked in and taken for a ride by these blatant con artists.
If it was my sister, and she really was THAT mind-numbingly stupid, I think I'd just cut my losses to be honest. I'd be ashamed of being related to someone who can't smell the coffee when the aroma is so unfathomably pungent.
I didn't find the docu-series itself particularly gripping. It's basically just three episodes of a family showing how incredibly dense their daughter is.
And there isn't any sort of conclusion. Just stops at a random point with the events still on-going.
Should have waited until after the guy's trial to make this. At least then it could have gone out on some sort of 'bang'.
If it was my sister, and she really was THAT mind-numbingly stupid, I think I'd just cut my losses to be honest. I'd be ashamed of being related to someone who can't smell the coffee when the aroma is so unfathomably pungent.
I didn't find the docu-series itself particularly gripping. It's basically just three episodes of a family showing how incredibly dense their daughter is.
And there isn't any sort of conclusion. Just stops at a random point with the events still on-going.
Should have waited until after the guy's trial to make this. At least then it could have gone out on some sort of 'bang'.
Binge-Worthy
Wow, this one was totally binge-worthy! "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" is an engaging and informative Netflix documentary that dives into the unsettling world of a management firm with ties to a church. The story follows TikTok dancers as they join the firm and uncover disturbing truths about the founders' sinister agenda. The documentary kept us hooked from start to finish with its compelling storytelling and shocking revelations about how easily vulnerable people can be manipulated.
The damage inflicted by these greedy individuals, who see themselves above God, is both alarming and heartbreaking. As we learn more about their grooming tactics, it's clear that we need to reassess what is allowed to happen to vulnerable people in our society. This is a must-watch for anyone who loves cult documentaries, as it provides a thorough and chilling look at the lengths some will go to exploit others for their gain.
The damage inflicted by these greedy individuals, who see themselves above God, is both alarming and heartbreaking. As we learn more about their grooming tactics, it's clear that we need to reassess what is allowed to happen to vulnerable people in our society. This is a must-watch for anyone who loves cult documentaries, as it provides a thorough and chilling look at the lengths some will go to exploit others for their gain.
A very pointless and boring documentary about stupid and narcissistic people
- ekwok888-725-796504
- Sep 27, 2024
- Permalink