Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult

This is a reminder, if one was ever needed (especially in these times, right?), that critical thinking is above all a survival skill.

Although obviously scripted, and more like a damage control move from the protagonists, this is still a fascinating insight into the cult phenomenon and psychology.

I liked the protagonist's mother and grandmother. India was indeed very young, and that is probably why she got away with it, unlike that Smallville actress and the co-president (can't remember their names). It is very entertaining and in the same time cautionary. It's quite fascinating to see where stupidity (not necessarily a low IQ, but bad decision making and ignoring one's intuition) paired with insanity can lead. All these victims are unfortunately part of the problem, although being stupid is not an invitation to abuse. The endless list of criminal activities within this cult is unbelievable. Everyone is lucky to still be alive and they now have a chance to learn, recover and move on. An important lesson for everyone.

This documentary was illuminating and shocking in demonstrating the ways people can be manipulated psychologically. But, regardless of the indoctrination performed on the members of this cult, all the higher ranking members of this group and the DOS group are culpable for their actions. Each and every one states that they did this "for personal betterment" while ANY human with an iota of rationality would understand that the actions taking place would not deliver this. What they truly wanted was VALIDATION from their superiors, something the multitude of wealthy, privileged people that were involved may have been lacking from their personal lives/families. Whether personal betterment or external validation, the actions committed by those involved with recruiting and indoctrination - including India - were acts of selfishness, doing something you know is wrong to promote personal gain. Regardless of the "regret" and the help provided to law enforcement, India did not flip sides until well after the arrest of Keith. Saying it was due to recognising the brand was his initials is a shameful excuse - it is so clear what that marking was and represented. These were all people seeking power and validation, and it is sickening to think so many will go unpunished.

Lastly, the fact that Allison Mack only received a 3 year sentence is disgusting in the context of this documentary.

Why are other 1st level DOS members not also imprisoned? Because Allison was the master of India, who's wealthy royal family felt personal spite towards.

ALL THESE PEOPLE NEED TO BE LOCKED UP FOR AT LEAST 5-10 YEARS.

I'm sure this series will inevitably be compared to The Vow. Personally, I enjoyed Seduced more. The pace was faster (partially because the season is about half the length as the vow) and somehow still included more information. I felt like this series was much more in depth, both on the inner workings of DOS and Keith Raniere, and was just generally more compelling. The interviews with India and her family are raw and honest, and tell a full picture of the events that transpired during India's time in NXIVM.

Although interested in the subject, I simply had no patience for HBO's "The Vow"--after a few episodes I lost all sympathy for the supposed victims/perpetrators who did nothing but film themselves excessively and express regret that didn't seem awfully sincere. "Seduced" gets right to the ugly heart of the matter and is infinitely more compelling. So far, most of those who seemed to figure so prominently in "The Vow"--justifying and endlessly "explaining" have not shown up--with the exception of actress Catherine Oxenberg, who here seems more like a concerned parent rather than a participant in "The Real Cult Mothers of Los Angeles."

This documentary was better than The Vow. Thank you India Oxenberg, for so honestly sharing your experiences . I have enjoyed this documentary very much, it was a journey through a young woman's sincere experiences ,it was very intense, disturbing at times, but I definitely have learned much about cults from it.