Watch Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult

Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult is a television documentary series that premiered on Starz in 2020. The show is a gripping and disturbing exploration of the inner workings of an infamous cult known as NXIVM, as seen through the eyes of former members and the family members of current members. The series was created and directed by award-winning filmmaker Cecilia Peck, who was inspired to document the cult after her close friend, actress Catherine Oxenberg, learned that her daughter India had been recruited into the organization.

The show is a four-part series, with each episode offering a different perspective on NXIVM and its founder, Keith Raniere. Catherine Oxenberg is one of the main subjects of the series, and her story provides a powerful look at the lengths a parent will go to rescue their child from the clutches of a dangerous cult.

The first episode of Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult dives right into the heart of the NXIVM organization, exploring the various branches of the group and the different methods used to lure in new members. Viewers are introduced to Keith Raniere, the self-proclaimed leader of NXIVM, and Mark Vicente, a former high-ranking member of the cult who eventually became one of its most vocal critics.

Throughout the series, Peck delves deep into the psychology behind cult behavior, examining the ways in which people can be manipulated and controlled by charismatic leaders. India Oxenberg provides a particularly fascinating perspective, as she is both a former member of NXIVM and the daughter of one of its most vocal opponents. Her story is one of indoctrination, coercion, and ultimately, freedom.

One of the strengths of Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult is its combination of personal testimony and expert analysis. The show features interviews with psychologists, sociologists, and experts on cult behavior, who provide context and insight into the tactics used by organizations like NXIVM to gain control over their members.

The show also explores the ways in which women were specifically targeted by NXIVM, both as members and as sexual partners for Keith Raniere. Kelly Thiel, a former Nxivm member, and branding victim, gives a chilling account of the initiation ceremony she underwent, in which she and other women were branded with Raniere's initials.

Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult is a difficult watch at times, as viewers are confronted with the realities of cult behavior and the consequences of joining such organizations. However, it is also an important and timely series, as cults and extremist groups continue to proliferate both online and in the real world. The show is a stark reminder that any of us could fall victim to their manipulations, and it offers valuable insights into how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from their influence.

Overall, Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult is a thought-provoking and necessary addition to the growing body of work on cults and extremist groups. Its blend of personal testimony, expert analysis, and clear-eyed investigation make for a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience.

Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 18, 2020 and on Starz