Watch Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle

In 1978, one of the most shocking events in world history occurred in Jonestown, Guyana. Nearly a thousand people were convinced to follow religious leader Jim Jones to a secluded commune in the jungle, where they ultimately died in a mass murder-suicide. The Sundance Channel’s 2018 docu-series, Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle, takes a deep dive into the events leading up to the tragedy, as told by survivors and family members of those who perished.

The series is comprised of four episodes, each roughly an hour long, and begins with an introduction to Jim Jones. Viewers are given a brief overview of his background and the formation of the Peoples Temple, a progressive church focused on racial integration and social justice. This is followed by a closer look at the Temple’s move to California in the 1960s, where they became increasingly involved in local politics and community outreach.

As the Temple grew in popularity, so too did Jim Jones’ control over his followers. Through interviews with former members, we learn of his manipulation tactics, which included staged healings, fearmongering, and strict rules of behavior. The series also delves into allegations of abuse, both emotional and physical, which members say they were subjected to. Despite the growing cult-like atmosphere, Jones and the Temple continued to be embraced by many in the community.

Throughout the series, the focus shifts to the events leading up to the move to Jonestown. We hear from Temple members who left or were otherwise removed from the organization during this time, as well as family members who were trying to figure out why their loved ones were so devoted to Jones. Many describe a sense of fear surrounding the move to Guyana, as rumors spread about the isolated and dangerous nature of the commune.

Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle also explores the role of the media in covering the Temple, both before and after the tragedy. Footage from news reports at the time is interspersed with current interviews with journalists who covered the story. The series also heavily features audio recordings made by Jones and the Temple, which provide a chilling insight into his mindset and the rhetoric he used to control his followers.

One of the most striking aspects of Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle is the focus on survivor testimony. Several former Temple members talk about their experiences in Jonestown, including the horrifying events of November 18, 1978. They detail the conditions in the commune—overcrowding, food shortages, and the punishment of those who tried to leave—and the fear and desperation that ultimately led to the mass suicide. These interviews offer a haunting and deeply personal view of one of the most devastating events of the 20th century.

The series also features interviews with family members who lost loved ones in the tragedy. These segments are particularly emotional, as parents and siblings struggle to come to terms with what happened and their own roles in the events. One woman recalls her decision to leave Jonestown and how she tried to convince her sister to come with her—the sister ultimately stayed and died in the mass killing. These moments of reflection and remorse serve as a reminder of how far-reaching the impact of Jim Jones’ manipulation was.

Throughout Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle, the viewer is left with a sense of unease and dread. The events are so shocking and surreal that it’s easy to forget that they really happened. But the series does an excellent job of tying together the disparate pieces of the story, from the Temple’s beginnings in Indiana to the aftermath of the tragedy. The interviews with survivors and family members add a level of humanity to the story that is often missing in discussions of cults and mass suicides.

Overall, Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle is a powerful and thought-provoking series that sheds new light on one of the darkest episodes in modern history. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in cults, true crime, or the psychology of manipulation. But it’s also an important reminder of how easily people can be convinced to follow a charismatic leader and how the consequences of such blind devotion can be devastating.

Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between November 17, 2018 and on Sundance Channel