Branded & Brainwashed: Inside Nxivm

As with most recent true crime documentaries, this one uses repetitive reenactments to the point of distraction. The story is compelling enough to provide the material for a much better film. Podcasters and other so-called "experts" are interviewed with the usual cliches.

Keith Raniere is just another con man who was able to convince a large number of gullible women, including the wealthy offspring of Samuel Bronfman, to fund his self help organization. His flock believed his long line of BS, which was largely based on many of the precepts of Scientology.

An actress named Allison Mack was his best recruiter and she was not only his lover but also quite handy with a modified branding iron.

I am constantly mystified by the need for people to believe in charismatic figureheads. I have lived long enough to only depend on my own common sense.