Watch The Pickup Game

The Pickup Game is a 2019 documentary film directed and produced by Matthew and Barnaby O'Connor. The film delves into the world of pickup artists, also known as PUAs, who teach men how to meet and seduce women. The documentary examines the tactics and strategies used by these PUAs and the consequences of their actions. The film features interviews with renowned pickup artists such as Neil Strauss, Ross Jeffries, and Mystery, who are seen as pioneers in the community. They discuss their experiences and provide insights into the world of pickup artistry, detailing the techniques they use to attract women.

Throughout the film, the directors provide a critical analysis of the pickup artist community, highlighting the ethical issues surrounding seduction techniques and the impact they have on women. The film takes a deep look into the PUA community and how it operates, focusing on how the PUA teaches men to manipulate and deceive women to achieve their goals.

Robert Beck, an ex-pickup artist who has since renounced the community, shares his experience with the PUA community, his reasons for leaving, and his efforts to help people who have been affected by the teachings of the community. Beck's story provides a balanced perspective, showcasing both the benefits and drawbacks of the community.

The Pickup Game also addresses the concerns of women who have been preyed upon by PUAs. The film showcases first-hand accounts of women who have experienced the deceptive and manipulative tactics used by PUAs. They discuss how PUAs use 'negging,' a psychological tactic used to make a person feel insecure, to get them to lower their defenses and become more receptive to their advances.

Maximillian Berger is another pickup artist featured in the film, who provides an insight into the world of PUAs. Berger talks about his experiences and the tactics he employs to attract women, including the use of hypnosis.

The documentary also raises critical questions about the impact of the PUA community on wider society. The filmmakers detail how the teachings of pickup artists often promote aggression and misogyny, which can further perpetuate harmful patriarchal systems within society.

Linda Boisvert, a relationship expert, provides insight into the motivations of PUAs and the adverse consequences that their teachings can have on individuals, relationships, and society. Boisvert emphasizes how PUAs often fail to teach individuals how to develop healthy and authentic relationships, promoting ideas that can be harmful to both men and women.

In conclusion, The Pickup Game is a thought-provoking documentary that examines the tactics and strategies used by PUAs to attract women. It provides a balanced perspective on the subject, showcasing both the positive and negative aspects of the community, and the impact it can have on individuals and society. The film raises critical questions about the ethical implications of the community's practices, promoting a much-needed dialogue about healthy relationships and gender dynamics in society.

The Pickup Game is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.