Depressing capture of the frailty of human intelligence and perspective, the susceptibility of even those who would be considered the brightest with promising futures, and particularly the inability to notice encroaching evil around and among us. The sociopathic, manipulative villain is almost cartoonish in retrospect, and the passive acceptance and participation of his victims should give everyone pause... The unfolding story is not for the squeamish, and is infuriating as the antagonist is aided and abetted in perpetrating his delusions. Izzy is the 21st century version of a manson girl. In conclusion, all I can say is that I hope somebody settles this guy's hash in the joint.
27 Reviews
a bit too slow and a bit too long
ccard-3815512 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As documentary series go, it's adequate, but for my tastes it was too slow and unnecessarily drawn out. Instead of 3 episodes, I would have been more interested in 2. The subject matter is not pleasant and the footage can be uncomfortable to watch. The series showed the how, and the eventual progress victim's made toward regaining their selves. For me, the biggest failure of the series is not better demonstrating the why. I found it hard to understand why these individuals would trade in their academic opportunities for this different form of education. Had the "why" been better presented, perhaps I could have been more engaged.
Very interesting
karolina-62 March 2023
Agree with previous review to ignore the low ratings because people for some reason don't like or believe the story. Are you by any chance in Larryland?
The recordings and videos are horrific, my heart goes out to these people. Someone who experienced gaslighting and emotional abuse at home I can easily believe why these kids ended up in this situation. The end of episode two floored me!
It's great (for a lack of better word) that this documentary had the actual recordings, this is what some of documentaries really lack, I don't understand how someone can claim it's one sided or scripted, it's not that type of documentary.
The recordings and videos are horrific, my heart goes out to these people. Someone who experienced gaslighting and emotional abuse at home I can easily believe why these kids ended up in this situation. The end of episode two floored me!
It's great (for a lack of better word) that this documentary had the actual recordings, this is what some of documentaries really lack, I don't understand how someone can claim it's one sided or scripted, it's not that type of documentary.
@sleepyratingscale
thebimp8 March 2023
I went thru a lot of emotions while watching this Hulu documentary:
Intrigue- As to why I had never heard of this situation and why the hell is this adult living in this dorm? Where is the damn RA?! I was a RA in college and I would have kicked his a$$ out.
Bewilderment- At the human mind and how the human mind can get so brainwashed to believe certain things by a charasmatic individual. Cults are so fascinating to me in general. I could see how college students whose frontal lobes are still being developed could easily get involved in a very manipulative situation.
Mild blown- At what Mr. Larry Ray was able to convince these students to do for him. Almost to the point where I was like this can't be true but then reminded myself of the Waco Branch Davidians, Jim Jones, and Heaven's Gate where adults blindly followed these men which ultimately led to their deaths so anything is possible.
Bewilderment- At the human mind and how the human mind can get so brainwashed to believe certain things by a charasmatic individual. Cults are so fascinating to me in general. I could see how college students whose frontal lobes are still being developed could easily get involved in a very manipulative situation.
Mild blown- At what Mr. Larry Ray was able to convince these students to do for him. Almost to the point where I was like this can't be true but then reminded myself of the Waco Branch Davidians, Jim Jones, and Heaven's Gate where adults blindly followed these men which ultimately led to their deaths so anything is possible.
Ignore the 2 star reviews
imbarrand19 February 2023
Those reviewing this documentary because they don't like the story are idiots. It's a TRUE STORY!! They didn't make it up. It has shocking audio and video of a lot of the very disturbing parts of the story. It is a cult. They cut off family, gave all there money to him, commited crimes for him and treated him like a God. Using sleep deprivation and withholding food to assert control. They are all main parts of cults like Scientology, people's temple and the recent nixium cult.
The harsh criticism that they could just leave is easy to say when you're not in that situation. No one joins a cult on purpose. That's the point of it. The human condition of conditioning is fascinating, complex and mysterious. Decades of examples all over the world. Why does it happen so often. This documentary really goes into great depth to show the before, during and after the mind control they endured. It's frightening and disturbing. But also an utter compelling story.
The harsh criticism that they could just leave is easy to say when you're not in that situation. No one joins a cult on purpose. That's the point of it. The human condition of conditioning is fascinating, complex and mysterious. Decades of examples all over the world. Why does it happen so often. This documentary really goes into great depth to show the before, during and after the mind control they endured. It's frightening and disturbing. But also an utter compelling story.
Disturbing!
tadted25 July 2023
It's a well put together documentary and some seem to be marking it low because of the subject matter. Stories like this need to be told even though they are disturbing because they highlight the dangerous ways evil minds can control other people with some disastrous outcomes. Bullying is heinous in itself but when it goes to such dangerous lengths the punishments need to be severe to put the message out there. Documentaries like this give you insight on how different types of rulership have been developed over the centuries where people are controlled. This was a small example of what can happen to a nation under the control of a narcissistic psychopath and their cohorts where the people get to a point where obedience is the only way to survive.
Makes NXIVM Look Like Preschool
ginnyrasmussen9 February 2023
As many millennial women do, I love a good cult story. This one takes the cake as far as modern-day (post-2000) sex cults go. This doc gives shocking insight into the events and experiences that took place within a small group of friends on and off the Sarah Lawrence campus starting in 2010 and lasting for over a decade.
Whether or not you are not familiar with this story, watch this series. It gives first hand accounts of what took place and also offers just an absolutely insane glimpse of just how far brain washing can go. The home footage and audio recordings are harrowing and the things these kids were convinced to do is genuinely incredible.
Whether or not you are not familiar with this story, watch this series. It gives first hand accounts of what took place and also offers just an absolutely insane glimpse of just how far brain washing can go. The home footage and audio recordings are harrowing and the things these kids were convinced to do is genuinely incredible.
In case you have forgotten what a cult is like...
paul-allaer5 March 2023
As Episode 1 of "Stolen Youth" (2023 release; 3 episodes ranging from 64 min to 75 min each) opens, it is "Freshman Year 2009" at Sarah Lawrence College. MGMT's "Time to Pretend" is blasting away, and we are introduced to a group of then18 yo kids, who are now in their early 30s. They bond, and by their sophomore, they move in together in an off-campus house. Things couldn't be better. Then out of the blue, Tania's dad, Larry Ray, recently released from jail, also moves in, "temporarily"... At this point we are 10 minutes into the opening episode.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is the latest from award-winning director Zach Heinzerling ("Cutie and the Boxer", "McCartney 3,2.1"). Here he looks back at the bizarre events that unfolded in the early 2010s in New York involving a group of college kids being manipulated by a narcissistic guy, I mean, you can't make this stuff up! It is at the same time fascinating and nauseating. It's like watching a train wreck happening before you very own eyes. In addition to the many audio and video archive materials, we also hear from many of the people directly involved, looking back at this more than a decade later, some seemingly still shellshocked as they recount these events and how they ended up getting stuck in a cult, because that is what it was. Psychological manipulation in its most extreme form is what happened here. You probably are thinking that this could never happen to you, and that is exactly what this group of kids is now warning you about: if it could happen to them, it can happen to anyone. Please note that this mini-series is NOT titled "Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence". It is simply titled "Stolen Youth", per the mini-series film credits.
"Stolen Youth" premiered on Hulu in late February. I binged the 3 episodes in a single setting, and found this a lot more compelling that I had expected. If you are in the mood for a true crime documentary mini-series that reminds us what a cult is like, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this mini-series is the latest from award-winning director Zach Heinzerling ("Cutie and the Boxer", "McCartney 3,2.1"). Here he looks back at the bizarre events that unfolded in the early 2010s in New York involving a group of college kids being manipulated by a narcissistic guy, I mean, you can't make this stuff up! It is at the same time fascinating and nauseating. It's like watching a train wreck happening before you very own eyes. In addition to the many audio and video archive materials, we also hear from many of the people directly involved, looking back at this more than a decade later, some seemingly still shellshocked as they recount these events and how they ended up getting stuck in a cult, because that is what it was. Psychological manipulation in its most extreme form is what happened here. You probably are thinking that this could never happen to you, and that is exactly what this group of kids is now warning you about: if it could happen to them, it can happen to anyone. Please note that this mini-series is NOT titled "Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence". It is simply titled "Stolen Youth", per the mini-series film credits.
"Stolen Youth" premiered on Hulu in late February. I binged the 3 episodes in a single setting, and found this a lot more compelling that I had expected. If you are in the mood for a true crime documentary mini-series that reminds us what a cult is like, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Profoundly Moving and Alarming
pwtatl11 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Blasting off with entertaining characters, great graphics and editing, the film then settles into a very dark universe of mind control. It then becomes an amazing, unpleasant excursion into the heart of darkness. Evil personified--banal yet insidious. Essential viewing, I would hope, for many demographics, starting with those who have kids in college! I (perhaps many others) came away with a greater understanding of how gullible we humans are, and how those who would prey upon this vulnerability are amongst us. It's not a far reach to find similarities in the nascent fascists in our midst who would gladly enslave us with lies and obfuscation to satiate a depraved gluttony for power--or, JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT! There is nice closure in the end, affirming that God is just.
Wild and sad story
gallagherkellie15 April 2023
This is one documentary that I feel like could have been a lot longer. That's my only complaint - I feel like I have so many unanswered questions. There's a lot more that I'd like to know such as more about Larry's life pre all this, and more about the aftermath.
This whole story is wild. I knew nothing about it before hand and didn't really read into it so I didn't know what to expect. But this man is delusional and a horrible narcissist. These poor kids!
Super interesting documentary that made me feel angry, sad, shocked, disgusted and frustrated. The last episode had me in tears.
I read that there's a book one of the guys wrote so I'm going to buy it and read it.
This whole story is wild. I knew nothing about it before hand and didn't really read into it so I didn't know what to expect. But this man is delusional and a horrible narcissist. These poor kids!
Super interesting documentary that made me feel angry, sad, shocked, disgusted and frustrated. The last episode had me in tears.
I read that there's a book one of the guys wrote so I'm going to buy it and read it.
Absolutely stunning
asc8518 February 2023
I had heard about this story when it occurred at the time, and watched the 3 episode documentary because it was reviewed so positively by most critics. It did remind me a little bit of the NXIVM cult, as someone else mentioned in another review. I guess some people think that what Larry Ray did to these people wouldn't be possible, but sadly, there are many people out there looking for answers who are not very strong-minded, and want others to do all their thinking for them. As you can see in the documentary, not all the Sarah Lawrence friends fell under Larry Ray's evil spell. Sadly, some did. The manipulation and the implanting of false memories was stunning. Watching and listening to Larry Ray was like watching and listening to Pure Evil. One of the good/bad things about society today compared to 40 years ago is that people can easily videotape and audiotape themselves (and seem to enjoy doing that, by the way). Sadly, I'm sure things like this happened 40 years ago, but there is little, if any documentation of what happened. Now, we get to see a lot of it.
How to brainwash weak people...
deloudelouvain11 December 2023
Stolen Youth: Inside The Cult At Sarah Lawrence is an interesting documentary if you are interested in the tactics of brainwashing, of grooming young adults into a cult. I found it quite amazing how seemingly normal young people can get completely brainwashed by just one person that doesn't even have a nice charisma about him. He preys on the weak even though you might think they are not in this case. Incredible to think some graduated as doctors and psychiatrists. You would think those people could see what scam this is but the exact opposite happens. I don't like to say it but in my eyes they are all idiots and not very smart, whatever university they went to or whatever degrees they got. This is the proof you can graduate but still be dumb. There is no way I would fall for that guy's words or actions, on the contrary he would end up in the hospital. The documentary consists of interviews and footage of the recordings that that psychopath did. It doesn't look great but it's interesting to follow. In the end everybody gets what they deserve, people are finally waking up, others go to prison, and one remains dumb and brainwashed, impossible to see reality and to wake up and smell the coffee. Do I feel any compassion for those victims? Absolutely not! If they would have been kids I could understand but here we're talking about young adults so feeling sorry for their naivety, no thank you.
Insipid people, their bad decisions and overreactions
mike-nissley5 December 2023
At one point a journalist in the film, at first exposure to some news about these events, says "This seems like potentially this could be a story." Unfortunately, that potential turns out to be very low, at least in the hands of these filmmakers. This is a disjointed, slow and dull doc about a psychotic speed freak who manipulates and takes advantage of a few dopey and uninteresting college students who are not smart enough to stay away from him. The people in this are among the most bland and clueless people you will ever witness. The things they say are unbelievably, mind numbingly brainless. Calling this the story of a "sex cult" is a major stretch. Nothing here looks anything like a sex cult, or really any kind of cult at all. These are simply dimwitted people doing unintelligent things, some of which do bear the distinction of being criminal, but ultimately it is very difficult to be very invested in what happens to any of them. Nothing at all interesting happens film-wise, just a bunch of snoozy interviews with boring people, backed with swelling, dramatic piano music meant to add weight and emotion to the feather light substance of what they are saying. The story is nebulous and full of holes and questions, all presented very dramatically and mysteriously. Evil is in the air at all times, but the stakes are so low that cracking the mystery is not worth the time, nor is any attempt made by the filmmakers. There isn't that much story here, and this goes on for over three hours. A puffed up piece of nonsense about essentially a series of misguided non events that the participants got very upset about, even though everything that happened was fairly minor and entirely their fault. A con man pulls a long, transparently far-fetched series of con jobs on a bunch of dullards, and the victims are subsequently confused and hurt. In the end, an exercise in telling a story that does not matter as if it somehow matters. Proof that you do not need to be smart or talented to get into college, or become a doctor (?), or make a documentary film apparently. One bright spot is you will probably feel better about yourself after watching these imbeciles and listening to their mostly sleepy and occasionally histrionic drivel for three hours.
Well Done, Disturbing and Interesting
chubbsub21 April 2023
This documentary was close to perfect as far as how it was delivered. It was facts: Aftermath interviews with his former victims and audio and video of Larry and his former followers during the cult. There was no sensationalizing and none of that rehashing of the same information over and over like they do in many documentary series. The only thing that is missing is the information they couldn't gain access to because of some people refusing interviews and the timing of when the documentary was made. Watching the documentary made me look up more about it online, because it was so intriguing. I found it extremely interesting, disturbing, and skillfully done. I watch every cult documentary out there, even some bad ones, but I have had to turn some off because they were so poor. I wish every cult documentary was done this well. Some reviewers said it was too long, but I could definitely watch several more episodes.
Excellent Documentary, Deplorable Story
couldbefbi29 August 2023
This is a slow documentary. To really see the day-to-day progression from happy college kids to completely brainwashed and mentally broken adults, it has to be told slowly. If you just hear the events listed out you don't get the true picture/feeling of the story.
This is about a man that 1,000% abused these kids and 1,000% had them believing he was the best person in the world and the only one that cared about him. The best part of this documentary is the actual footage. It's mind blowing to see exactly how this man manipulated and molded them into his slaves without them realizing he was doing it. It would be hard to believe all the things he was capable of if someone told you. It is STILL hard to believe while you're literally watching him do it.
The best thing the man ever did was record everything. His recordings are like watching unethical and inhumane psychology experiments, and it's disgusting.
You can't have a low enough score for the subject matter. It's just vile. However, the documentary covered it extremely well. 10/10.
This is about a man that 1,000% abused these kids and 1,000% had them believing he was the best person in the world and the only one that cared about him. The best part of this documentary is the actual footage. It's mind blowing to see exactly how this man manipulated and molded them into his slaves without them realizing he was doing it. It would be hard to believe all the things he was capable of if someone told you. It is STILL hard to believe while you're literally watching him do it.
The best thing the man ever did was record everything. His recordings are like watching unethical and inhumane psychology experiments, and it's disgusting.
You can't have a low enough score for the subject matter. It's just vile. However, the documentary covered it extremely well. 10/10.
I signed up for IMDB just to make this review
aantonelli-926964 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The other highly rated reviewers have captured all the points I would add in here but already better said! But I will attempting to reiterate, I watched this, 'Stolen Youth' and the one on Peacock about Larry Ray called 'Sex, lies and a college cult' and this one blew that one right out of the water. The followed the timeline of these events like an art and we're so good at getting you emotionally invested in these kids but how much true video footage was in this documentary. Someone already mentioned how we missed a few same deep dives into the other followers because of their participation so that would be the only flaw but no fault of the producers. For anyone who's like me and needs to know more he also had another victim in the cult who was never mention because he didn't go to the school but was an ex boyfriend of Talia named Iban Goicoechea his story was also insane and he too spent time in the NY apartment with the kids. Anywho, this is a freaking must watch!!
best doc about a pervert monster
aleXandrugota8 March 2023
I have watched and read a lot about brainwashing, depersonalization and mind manipulation. Procedures used much more often than we would think. The mass media can use something similar, social media, politicians, churches and all areas where people's minds need to be controlled and manipulated. But it is by far the best documentary ever made on the subject. Larry's obsession with recording audio-video was absolutely fatal. But for us, the testimonies are often difficult to look at and absolutely devastating. A classic case that shows once again that reality often beats the movie, three episodes about a psychopathic monster. Any fictional film made after this case could not surpass this stunning documentary in value.
Too long and drawn out
kewlcow334-530-36235529 May 2023
The story is interesting, and I like there is a documentary about it, but it's way too long. I have 40 minutes left of the second episode, and I'm upset to know their is THIRD episode that I'm going to have to watch. I'm not sure if they pulled 3 episodes out to help make the victims feel validated or what, but this could have been an hour and a half one and done deal, and I don't think they would have missed any major elements of the story. I've had to stop and come back to this several times because of how slow and drawn out the story is, which to me doesn't help the overall story. I'll probably learn more and enjoy my time reading about this situation more than watching this documentary.
Not sure
hidxxujn3 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is obviously a horrific incident, if true. There's no real explanation on how all the phone calls were recorded, were they recorded real time, on a recorder over speaker phone all the time?
Recorded video is conveniently placed, and Larry is almost always conveniently either cut out, or out of frame, and there is tons of candid video? This sadly feels more like a cloverfield movie than a documentary, but again, I sincerely hope it's not fake and these people really got to tell their story.
Sadly I question the validity as these types of situations are very really and very serious in real life. But this all seems very suspicious.
Recorded video is conveniently placed, and Larry is almost always conveniently either cut out, or out of frame, and there is tons of candid video? This sadly feels more like a cloverfield movie than a documentary, but again, I sincerely hope it's not fake and these people really got to tell their story.
Sadly I question the validity as these types of situations are very really and very serious in real life. But this all seems very suspicious.
Shaken to my core
new85920 March 2024
First of all, thank you the director and his whole team, for bring such a powerful documentary movie. I don't know if the director read comments on this website or not. If you know him, please pass my thanks to him.
This movie made me shaken to my core. It deeply touched me. I am a male in later years of my life. Seldom can a movie make me cry. But to my surprise, I broke to tears while watching the episode 3. In fact, I have not cried for several years. This crying just released so many negative energy in me. This is a documentary about a cult and crime, I really didn't expected it so emotional. The episode 1 and 2 are already superb. But the last episodes just lift the whole series to a new level.
I have watched hundreds hours of documentaries on cults in my life. This one is the scariest. When I said it made me shaken to my core, I mean not only it touched my soft spot in my heart by its loving scenes, but also scared me to my core that I was shaking constantly. The evil and canny of Larry Ray is beyond my imagination. I've seen David Koresh, NXIVM, Jim Johns and etc. Larry Ray is much worse. He pushed envelop of how dark a human's heart can be. Unbelievable. Totally unbelievable. Before I watched this movie, I felt pity for myself because all those unlucky events I suffered. After watching this movie, I felt so lucky I didn't met persons like Larry Ray in my life.
My heart goes to Santos' parents. They lost all three kids to this evil man and they still can laugh. How strong they are! If I was them, I would lose hope in life and in humanity.
This documentary series is not perfect. A year ago, I watched it for ten minutes and could not go on because the first episode is really unattractive. It lacks the sensational effect. Also too many interview, too little real footage. However, by chance I watched another documentary movie on Larry Ray case called "Sex. Lies.and.the. College. Cult". It is a standard documentary, straight to the point. It got me hooked. Then I return to this series for more details.
I hope there is a sequel to this, just like THE VOW 2.
This movie made me shaken to my core. It deeply touched me. I am a male in later years of my life. Seldom can a movie make me cry. But to my surprise, I broke to tears while watching the episode 3. In fact, I have not cried for several years. This crying just released so many negative energy in me. This is a documentary about a cult and crime, I really didn't expected it so emotional. The episode 1 and 2 are already superb. But the last episodes just lift the whole series to a new level.
I have watched hundreds hours of documentaries on cults in my life. This one is the scariest. When I said it made me shaken to my core, I mean not only it touched my soft spot in my heart by its loving scenes, but also scared me to my core that I was shaking constantly. The evil and canny of Larry Ray is beyond my imagination. I've seen David Koresh, NXIVM, Jim Johns and etc. Larry Ray is much worse. He pushed envelop of how dark a human's heart can be. Unbelievable. Totally unbelievable. Before I watched this movie, I felt pity for myself because all those unlucky events I suffered. After watching this movie, I felt so lucky I didn't met persons like Larry Ray in my life.
My heart goes to Santos' parents. They lost all three kids to this evil man and they still can laugh. How strong they are! If I was them, I would lose hope in life and in humanity.
This documentary series is not perfect. A year ago, I watched it for ten minutes and could not go on because the first episode is really unattractive. It lacks the sensational effect. Also too many interview, too little real footage. However, by chance I watched another documentary movie on Larry Ray case called "Sex. Lies.and.the. College. Cult". It is a standard documentary, straight to the point. It got me hooked. Then I return to this series for more details.
I hope there is a sequel to this, just like THE VOW 2.
A brilliantly crafted docuseries that offers a chilling glimpse into the actions of a predator and the devastating effects of grooming
kevin_robbins4 April 2024
I recently watched the docuseries Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence (2023) on Hulu. The storyline follows a group of college students at a smaller arts school in upstate New York. When the father of one of the students moves into their home, he begins offering advice and guidance to the students, eventually manipulating them and establishing a cult and sex trafficking operations.
Created by Zach Heinzerling (Black Gold) this series delves into every parent's worst nightmare. It focuses on a predator who preys on young individuals navigating the complexities of life, seeking guidance from a respected individual for their opinions and outlooks. He exploits this trust to groom his victims, leading them to prioritize his authority over their own families and friends. As they become ensnared in his manipulation, they struggle to maintain their sense of self and reality, resulting in a terrifying portrayal of the impact of grooming.
In conclusion, Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence is a brilliantly crafted docuseries that offers a chilling glimpse into the actions of a predator and the devastating effects of grooming. I would score this a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.
Created by Zach Heinzerling (Black Gold) this series delves into every parent's worst nightmare. It focuses on a predator who preys on young individuals navigating the complexities of life, seeking guidance from a respected individual for their opinions and outlooks. He exploits this trust to groom his victims, leading them to prioritize his authority over their own families and friends. As they become ensnared in his manipulation, they struggle to maintain their sense of self and reality, resulting in a terrifying portrayal of the impact of grooming.
In conclusion, Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence is a brilliantly crafted docuseries that offers a chilling glimpse into the actions of a predator and the devastating effects of grooming. I would score this a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.
Idiotic
Ingalilla8 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Something is off here. These people are supposedly intelligent enough to get into a prestigious college and then they fall under the influence of one man- who is unemployed and was in jail? A dad of one of their friends. This guy starts hanging around at their apartment and smooching off them, sleeping on the sofa - and suddenly they start falling under his charms. What?
There are numerous recordings of them speaking, which seems off- why did they all keep recording everything they said , all the time, in every situation? Did they plan to make a movie out of it?
And come on,the wisdom this supposed manipulator was sharing all sounds so stupid these kids need to ask themselves wtf they were thinking in the first place...
There are numerous recordings of them speaking, which seems off- why did they all keep recording everything they said , all the time, in every situation? Did they plan to make a movie out of it?
And come on,the wisdom this supposed manipulator was sharing all sounds so stupid these kids need to ask themselves wtf they were thinking in the first place...
Incoherent and Dull
rablumstein12 February 2023
I would normally be intrigued by a story like this and I enjoy twisted reality crime documentaries, but I find this to be a simply incoherent narrative. I've tried 3 times to watch it but can't get past the boredom and the apparent stupidity and vacuousness of these allegedly intelligent students.
It would be nice if this attempt at presenting this story offered any explanation or context to explain why these kids got involved in whatever nonsense was happening with this father guy. Unfortunately, I just can't get beyond the first two or three episodes without getting lost, getting bored, or just falling asleep.
It would be nice if this attempt at presenting this story offered any explanation or context to explain why these kids got involved in whatever nonsense was happening with this father guy. Unfortunately, I just can't get beyond the first two or three episodes without getting lost, getting bored, or just falling asleep.
Is this really a cult?
caseyyates-9647218 February 2023
1 predator that can prey on and manipulate a few young vulnerable people is not a cult. What was their overall belief? Did they have an end game? Was he trying to be a diety?
These people were clearly victims of 1 man who took advantage of their vulnerabilities, youth and lack of confidence. This is a sad series of events that clearly displays the powers of manipulation.
There is a bit of "Excess of admiration for an individual" but that faded fast and just left fear. These people seemed more scared of leaving an abusive relationship then they were involved with a Cult.
Either way Larry is a P. O. S!
These people were clearly victims of 1 man who took advantage of their vulnerabilities, youth and lack of confidence. This is a sad series of events that clearly displays the powers of manipulation.
There is a bit of "Excess of admiration for an individual" but that faded fast and just left fear. These people seemed more scared of leaving an abusive relationship then they were involved with a Cult.
Either way Larry is a P. O. S!
Very poorly made. Wasted my life.
dansfvr16 February 2023
This really could have been a fabulous documentary. The actual story is very interesting. This movie, however, is choppy, confusing and just doesn't make any sense. How could these seemingly intelligent students that came from seemingly good families end up like that? It just doesn't make sense. It seems like pieces of the true story have been left out. These students could have left any time. Why didn't they leave? Why didn't they talk to their families. Why didn't teachers or staff step in and offer help?
There really is a lot of potential.
I wonder how it would be if it was made by other filmmakers.
There really is a lot of potential.
I wonder how it would be if it was made by other filmmakers.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
