Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult

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.

It seems to be an unpopular opinion that The Vow is superior to Seduced..

I found it far superior and am glad I watched it first. The Vow was apparently too slow of a burn for many viewers, but I personally found the pacing well-suited to explaining the creeping indoctrination (and tortured deprogramming) of cults. I liked the focus on the intensely flawed characters who were leaders of the group and how they struggled with fighting back and their own culpability. And the attention paid to Frank Parloto and key events in the downward spiral of Nxivm were given meaningful focus. It was very nuanced and in-depth, all things considered.

Seduced... is primarily focused on the Oxenburgs, and their story is compelling. But there's less of a psychological (or indeed, legal) battle on display. The emotional scenes are gone, basically - everything is very composed and there's a simple narrative focused on India's escape.

It's highly competent and there are crucial details here, and the Oxenburgs are amazing, mother and daughter - but overall it feels considerably less thorough and like a lean addendum to The Vow rather than an alternative.

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.

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 is well made. I can't believe the extent that this cult went to. The leader is the most creepy man - so glad he's now finally behind bars. I'm looking forward to the 4th episode coming onto Stan!