The holiday season usually calls for warmth and joy, but Netflix has decided to close out 2025 with one of the most disturbing watches in recent memory. “Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story” is more than just a documentary; it’s a chilling dive into manipulation, religious extremism, and the dark side of social media influence.
As we step into 2026, many are asking: Is it time to vow off true-crime this grim?
The Story of a Twisted Influence
Directed by the acclaimed Skye Borgman (Abducted in Plain Sight), the documentary unravels the horrific case of Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke. Hildebrandt, a self-proclaimed therapist, and Franke, the “momfluencer” behind the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, were convicted of extreme child abuse that shocked the world.
The film meticulously traces:
The Manipulation: How Hildebrandt used her position as a life coach to isolate Franke from her family.
The “ConneXions” Cult: A deep look into the extremist religious teachings that justified their actions.
The Brave Escape: The harrowing details of the 12-year-old boy who escaped to save himself and his sister.
Why It’s Sparking a “True-Crime Boycott” for 2026
While the production is high-end, critics—including The Guardian—have labeled the documentary as “supremely grubby.” There is a growing sentiment among viewers that the genre has hit a point of “extreme voyeurism.”
The Ethical Dilemma: Does dramatizing such deep-seated trauma serve justice, or is it merely profitable exploitation?
The Psychological Toll: Experts suggest that consuming such “twisted” content can lead to desensitization and increased anxiety.
The Resolution: Many social media users are starting 2026 with a New Year’s resolution to prioritize “ethical true-crime” or abandon the genre altogether in favor of more positive content.
Evil Influencer Review: Is This the End of Our Obsession with Twisted True-Crime?
The holiday season usually calls for warmth and joy, but Netflix has decided to close out 2025 with one of the most disturbing watches in recent memory. “Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story” is more than just a documentary; it’s a chilling dive into manipulation, religious extremism, and the dark side of social media influence.
As we step into 2026, many are asking: Is it time to vow off true-crime this grim?
The Story of a Twisted Influence
Directed by the acclaimed Skye Borgman (Abducted in Plain Sight), the documentary unravels the horrific case of Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke. Hildebrandt, a self-proclaimed therapist, and Franke, the “momfluencer” behind the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, were convicted of extreme child abuse that shocked the world.
The film meticulously traces:
Why It’s Sparking a “True-Crime Boycott” for 2026
While the production is high-end, critics—including The Guardian—have labeled the documentary as “supremely grubby.” There is a growing sentiment among viewers that the genre has hit a point of “extreme voyeurism.”