Watch Enlighten Us

Enlighten Us is a 2016 documentary film directed by Jenny Carchman that explores the life and teachings of James Arthur Ray, a self-help guru who gained national attention in 2009 after the tragic deaths of three participants in one of his retreats. The film delves into Ray's early years and his experiences as a struggling entrepreneur before he found his niche as a spiritual teacher. It follows his rise to fame and the hypnotic hold he had over his followers, who believed he had the ability to transform their lives and unleash their inner potential.

The documentary also examines the tragic events that occurred during a 2009 sweat lodge ceremony in which three participants lost their lives. It offers insight into the aftermath of the tragedy, Ray's subsequent trial and conviction for negligent homicide, and his time in prison.

Throughout the film, Carchman interviews a variety of individuals who have been impacted by Ray, including former followers, family members of those who died in the sweat lodge, and Ray himself. The interviews provide a glimpse into the complex and often conflicting emotions surrounding Ray's teachings and the tragedy that occurred.

One of the major themes of the film is the idea of blind faith and the dangers of following a charismatic leader without question. Through interviews with former followers, the documentary explores the allure of Ray's teachings and the ways in which he exploited his followers' vulnerabilities.

Another theme is the power of redemption and forgiveness. The film documents Ray's efforts to rebuild his reputation and his attempts to empathize with the families of those who died in the sweat lodge. It also offers a message of hope for those who have been affected by Ray's teachings, suggesting that it is possible to move on from trauma and find healing.

The documentary is skillfully produced, with evocative visuals and a compelling soundtrack. It offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of a complex and controversial figure, and raises important questions about the self-help industry and the search for meaning and purpose in modern society.

Overall, Enlighten Us is a poignant and insightful documentary that is sure to stimulate meaningful conversation and reflection. It shines a light on the dark side of the self-help industry while also offering a message of hope and redemption.

Enlighten Us is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.