The Synanon Fix cult documentary

Hey all,

I know there have been a few threads on here about cult documentaries that we loved. I just wanted to recommend The Synanon Fix (2024) as one of the most excellent in the genre. It has the qualities I love in a cult doc in that the modality offered creates a real benefit for the members but requires them to give up their autonomy and critical thinking for it to work, which then leads to the inevitable corruption of authoritarianism. Similar to Wild Wild Country, Breath of Fire, Going Clear, The Deep End and Bikram.

I am surprised I had never heard of the Synanon story given how wide its cultural reach was at its peak. This is a really beautifully made doc. Like Wild Wild Country, the early flourishing days are heartbreakingly beautiful to watch because it's an attempt at creating heaven on earth but as a viewer, you know it can't last.