Review of Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, a disturbing true-crime documentary that pushes ethical limits
Review of Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, a disturbing true-crime documentary that pushes ethical limits
Netflix’s Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is a very unnerving true-crime documentary that makes viewers rethink not only the crimes depicted but also the genre itself. Skye Borgman, a well-known true-crime storyteller, directs the film, which looks at the tragic case of Utah life coach Jodi Hildebrandt, who was convicted of extreme child abuse alongside Ruby Franke, a former family influencer.
The documentary begins with a horrifying scene: a starving 12-year-old boy knocking on a stranger’s door, desperate for assistance after fleeing Hildebrandt’s home. Police soon discover his sister in a similarly awful state, hiding in a cupboard, with indications of restraints and long-term abuse. These discoveries lay the groundwork for a bleak yet meticulously crafted story.
Borgman, who has previously worked on Abducted in Plain Sight and The Girl in the Picture, takes a controlled, factual approach once more. Interviews with law officials, including lead detective Jessica Bate and county attorney Eric Clarke, shed light on how the case unfolded. Their calm, precise accounts stand in stark contrast to the ferocity of the crimes, making the story all the more frightening.
The video also looks at how Hildebrandt rose to prominence in the Mormon community as a trusted life coach who was frequently recommended by LDS church authorities.
Former clients claim her treatment was mainly based on shame, control, and emotional manipulation, particularly on sexuality and marriage. Over time, this influence spread to Ruby Franke, who abandoned her family-friendly online identity and became an active participant in the abuse, claiming that it was justified by religious devotion.
While Evil Influencer is successful in presenting the facts without sensationalism, it struggles to transcend the ethical difficulties that plague the true-crime genre.
The video highlights critical questions about how religious authority, unbridled trust, and influencer culture can facilitate abuse, but it does not delve far enough into these issues to provide meaningful insight or remedies.
Finally, the picture feels both necessary and unsettling. It exposes a horrendous act while also reminding viewers of the voyeuristic appeal of true crJodiime. As the article hints, the actual takeaway is a bigger question: should viewers—and producers—reassess their hunger for such bleak stories?
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is currently available on Netflix.
