I saw this documentary some days ago and have been since then thinking whether I wanted to write a review or not. I finally created an IMDB account specifically to review this movie; this is my first review.
Despite being a very interesting story, which keeps getting wierder and wierder, there are some points which I did not like so much.
First of all, after finishing watching, I felt like I was manipulated by Sheela to understand why she did all those things, and to think that it was the only way out for her. Like she was excusing herself but never apologizing or regretting anything she did. I feel that the movie is too focused on her and her side of the story. Furthermore, there was a very little view in the the detectives' and FBI agents' side of the story. I would have liked to hear them develop further about the case and their findings. When they were about to say something interesting, the interview was discontinued.
Second, I think that there were some relevant points that are never developed. For instance, the whole time I was thinking how did they get so much money to buy the ranch, to bring in the heavy building machinery, and buy the materials. I was waiting for a financial scandal to pop-up at some point, but never did. It just seemed that people donated money voluntarily. After reading further, I learned that the ranch was bought by Sheela's first husband for almost 6million dollars, and that the cult was sued by a woman claiming 300,000 dollars. The show never mentions or develops on this point.
Third, I never understood the fascination of the followers for Osho or Sheela. Osho barely appeared, and Sheela only talked politics. I could not understand why the cult was perceived so negatively when the Interviewers where constantly winning about how great their time in Oregon was. I only showed the point of view of privileged people within the organization. Of coarse they where having the time of their life!
After reading further, I realized that the film is missing the cult component .I would have liked learn further about why this cult was so bad, which would basically explain all the points above.
However, I do rate this series with a 6 because I do think that it does explain a very interesting story. Also, the fact that Sheela talks so much, even though at first it feels that we are getting too much of her, also reveals how screwed up she is. It seems as the directors, without looking for any bias, where exposing her to her real nature. All in all, it is worth watching, though I do recommend complementing with other films that deep dive into cult dynamics, such as Holy Hell.
Despite being a very interesting story, which keeps getting wierder and wierder, there are some points which I did not like so much.
First of all, after finishing watching, I felt like I was manipulated by Sheela to understand why she did all those things, and to think that it was the only way out for her. Like she was excusing herself but never apologizing or regretting anything she did. I feel that the movie is too focused on her and her side of the story. Furthermore, there was a very little view in the the detectives' and FBI agents' side of the story. I would have liked to hear them develop further about the case and their findings. When they were about to say something interesting, the interview was discontinued.
Second, I think that there were some relevant points that are never developed. For instance, the whole time I was thinking how did they get so much money to buy the ranch, to bring in the heavy building machinery, and buy the materials. I was waiting for a financial scandal to pop-up at some point, but never did. It just seemed that people donated money voluntarily. After reading further, I learned that the ranch was bought by Sheela's first husband for almost 6million dollars, and that the cult was sued by a woman claiming 300,000 dollars. The show never mentions or develops on this point.
Third, I never understood the fascination of the followers for Osho or Sheela. Osho barely appeared, and Sheela only talked politics. I could not understand why the cult was perceived so negatively when the Interviewers where constantly winning about how great their time in Oregon was. I only showed the point of view of privileged people within the organization. Of coarse they where having the time of their life!
After reading further, I realized that the film is missing the cult component .I would have liked learn further about why this cult was so bad, which would basically explain all the points above.
However, I do rate this series with a 6 because I do think that it does explain a very interesting story. Also, the fact that Sheela talks so much, even though at first it feels that we are getting too much of her, also reveals how screwed up she is. It seems as the directors, without looking for any bias, where exposing her to her real nature. All in all, it is worth watching, though I do recommend complementing with other films that deep dive into cult dynamics, such as Holy Hell.