Watch Deprogrammed

Deprogrammed is a thought-provoking documentary film that explores the concept of deprogramming or brainwashing from a range of perspectives. Released in 2015 and directed by Mia Donovan, it provides a captivating insight into the history, techniques, and effects of this controversial practice that aimed to intervene in the minds of individuals who joined and committed to cult movements.

The film features interviews with some of the deprogrammers who practiced this technique such as Ted Patrick, who was considered as one of the pioneers of the deprogramming movement in the 1970s. At the height of his career, Patrick had successfully deprogrammed more than 1,000 individuals who were involved in various cults. The film also features interviews with family members of those who had been deprogrammed and those who had undergone the process themselves.

The documentary starts by explaining the cultural background of the 1960s counterculture, where young people began to express their political and social views by experimenting with drugs, free love, and alternative living spaces. This counterculture paved the way for the emergence of various cult movements that appealed to people's spiritual seeking, isolation from the mainstream, and the promise of enlightenment.

However, as these cults became more prominent, so did their controversial practices, which often involved manipulation, brainwashing, and the isolation of individuals from family and friends. The film provides a glimpse into the life of those who join these groups and the psychological manipulation techniques that were used to control them. These techniques included sleep deprivation, food deprivation, and the use of repetitive slogans, meditation, and mantras.

As the documentary progresses, it delves deeper into the process of deprogramming and shows how it was used to break the mental hold of cults on individuals. It shows how deprogrammers such as Ted Patrick would have to physically remove individuals from cults and then provide them with a new framework of thinking that contradicts the cult's beliefs. The film also shows how deprogramming became controversial due to allegations of kidnapping, abuse, and violations of individual's civil rights.

The film also provides a more nuanced view of the deprogramming process by featuring interviews with individuals who underwent deprogramming. Some of these individuals viewed the process as a necessary intervention that helped them regain their sense of individuality and freedom of thought. Others viewed it as a traumatic experience that left deep scars on their psyche.

Throughout the film, there is a recurring theme of the tension between individual freedom and its limits. While cults may offer a sense of community and purpose, they often come at the cost of individual freedom and the ability to think for oneself. On the other hand, the deprogramming process, while aimed at freeing individuals from cults, might be seen as infringing on their freedom to choose how to live their lives.

Overall, Deprogrammed provides a captivating insight into the world of cults, deprogramming, and the complex ethical issues that arise when trying to intervene in individuals' minds. The film is meticulously researched and is backed by interviews and testimonials from individuals who have had firsthand experience with the deprogramming process. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in psychology, religion, and the limits of individual freedom.

Deprogrammed is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.