2 Series That Depict The Terrifying Inner Workings Of Cults

These two docu-series give a true glimpse into how charismatic cult leaders deceive, manipulate and exploit their followers.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | June 28, 2024

Cults captivate us with a mix of fascination and terror. From a psychological perspective, they epitomize the darker aspects of human behavior and the profound influence that charismatic leaders can wield. Leaders of these organizations deploy a range of psychological mechanisms to recruit, subdue and manipulate their followers—resulting in environments where individuals are often stripped of their autonomy and subjected to intense control.

Understanding these mechanisms can be challenging, especially for those who have never experienced the coercive power of a cult firsthand. Fortunately, several compelling documentary series provide an illuminating look into the inner workings of these powerful and dangerous organizations. Here are two docu-series that reveal the mysterious and shocking dynamics of cults, as well as the psychological tactics used by their leaders to maintain control and authority.

1. Wild Wild Country (2018)

The Rajneesh movement—led by the charismatic and controversial spiritual leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh—exemplifies how psychological tactics can be employed to recruit and maintain a devoted following. Cult leadership relies heavily on the mechanisms of flattery inflation, which are central to the creation of personality cults. According to a research chapter from the 2020 book Ruler Personality Cults from Empires to Nation-States and Beyond, these mechanisms include:

• Loyalty signaling, where followers demonstrate their unwavering support for the leader.
• Emotional amplification, where followers' emotions are heightened to foster a sense of unity and purpose.
• Direct production mechanisms, which involves orchestrating events and narratives that glorify the leader.

In Rajneesh's case, his teachings combined Eastern spirituality with Western philosophy, which appealed to a wide range of individuals seeking personal enlightenment and communal harmony. Once attracted, followers were integrated into an isolated community—where dissent was discouraged and loyalty to Rajneesh was paramount. This environment of patronage and dependency created fertile ground for the transformation of ordinary flattery into full-blown practices of ruler worship, isolating followers from external influences and making them increasingly reliant on the commune for their social and emotional needs.

Wild Wild Country, a Netflix docu-series, provides a comprehensive look into the rise and fall of the Rajneesh movement—particularly focusing on the establishment of the Rajneeshpuram commune in Oregon during the early 1980s. Through detailed interviews with former members, local residents and law enforcement officials, the series uncovers the complex and often disturbing dynamics that were present within the commune.

Viewers are given an inside look at how Rajneesh and his close associates, particularly his personal secretary Ma Anand Sheela, used psychological manipulation, fear and coercion to maintain control over the followers. The series also explored the conflicts with local communities, the legal battles and the shocking bioterror attack orchestrated by the movement. This docu-series provides viewers a full understanding of the mechanisms of cult control—as it illustrates how charismatic leaders like Rajneesh can exploit vulnerabilities, manipulate beliefs and create tightly controlled environments that isolate followers from the outside world.

2. Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping the Twin Flames Universe (2023)

The Twin Flame Universe, founded by Jeff Ayan and Shaleia Ayan, operates within the framework of a spiritual community centered around the concept of twin flames—believing each individual possesses a destined spiritual counterpart for ultimate fulfillment. This belief system not only promises deep connections, but it also establishes an exclusive realm where followers can achieve profound personal growth and spiritual awakening. The group employs psychological tactics that capitalize on this sense of exclusivity to recruit and maintain a devoted following.

Cultic groups, as explained in a 2017 study from Psychiatry Research, hold an important and exclusive place in the life of their members. This is ensured in the calculated ways that cults are advertised to members, and then further reinforced once potential members become devout followers. Additionally, the authors note that cult members are often prone to attachment insecurity, making them particularly vulnerable to the leader's promises.

By using these vulnerabilities, the Ayans strategically position the Twin Flame Universe as a central element in fulfilling the ultimate spiritual and emotional needs of its followers. They cultivate this exclusivity by enforcing the belief that only through their teachings and guidance can members truly find and unite with their twin flame. Moreover, The Twin Flame Universe manipulatively preys on individuals' attachment insecurities—that is, their fears and loneliness in their struggle to find love—to draw them into the fold. Combined, this creates a dependency that makes leaving the group emotionally and psychologically challenging, and deeply integrates the Twin Flame Universe in the lives of its members. This ultimately enforces and reinforces a toxic cycle of fear-driven commitment and loyalty.

In Desperately Seeking Soulmate, a revealing documentary series, the manipulative strategies of the Ayans are exposed through firsthand accounts of former members and expert analyses. The series explores how the Ayans utilize these psychological tactics to perpetuate a sense of exclusivity and urgency among their followers, promising them the ultimate fulfillment of finding their twin flame.

Through personal accounts from those who have escaped the group's influence, Desperately Seeking Soulmate provides chilling insight into the mechanisms of control and dependency that characterize high-demand groups like the Twin Flame Universe. The series provides a crucial perspective on the psychological dynamics at play within cultic organizations. It showcases the allure of exclusivity and the profound impact it can have on individuals seeking meaning and connection.

Wondering if you're susceptible to cultic persuasion? Take the Emotional Quotient Inventory to know if your emotional constitution is strong.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.