Name: How to Become a Cult Leader
Genre: Documentary, Crime
Released: 2023-07-28T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Peter Dinklage

The opening shot of How to Become a Cult Leader is a close-up of Peter Dinklage’s eyes, his voice dripping with dark humor as he begins to narrate the “guidebook” for aspiring cult leaders. It’s an arresting image, one that immediately sets the tone for this Peacock docuseries—a mix of sardonic wit and grim subject matter. The series examines notorious cults, each episode dissecting the methods of a different leader: Jim Jones, Jaime Gomez, Marshall Applewhite, Shoko Asahara, and Sun Myung Moon.

At its core, How to Become a Cult Leader is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of manipulation and power. It’s not just about cults; it’s about the psychology behind them—the way leaders exploit human vulnerability, the techniques they use to control minds, bodies, and souls. The series leans heavily into its satirical premise, treating the subject with a wink and a nod, as if it’s offering a how-to manual rather than a cautionary tale.

The first episode is where the series finds its footing. Dinklage’s narration is sharp, his delivery dripping with irony as he outlines the leader’s tactics for building a following. The juxtaposition of upbeat music against archival footage of the followers is jarring, but it works—highlighting the absurdity of the cult’s beliefs while never losing sight of the real harm they caused.

The series excels when it commits to this dark humor, using it as a tool to dissect the cult leaders’ methods. The episode on Jim Jones, for example, is particularly effective. It breaks down how Jones exploited racial tensions and economic desperation to grow his flock, showing how easily fear can be weaponized. The inclusion of archive footage from Leo J. Ryan’s investigative trip to Jonestown adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the satire in real-world consequences.

However, the series stumbles when it tries to balance satire with genuine insight. The tone can feel uneven, oscillating between wry humor and sobering documentary footage of victims’ testimonies. The upbeat narration clashes with the harrowing realities of cult life, sometimes undercutting the gravity of the subject matter.

The structure also falters in its final episode, which attempts to summarize the series’ thesis but fails to deliver a compelling call to action. The absence of resources for cult awareness or deprogramming organizations is a missed opportunity to provide practical takeaways for viewers. Additionally, the omission of figures like L. Ron Hubbard and Donald Trump raises questions about editorial choices, leaving one wondering if certain topics were avoided for political reasons.

Where the series shines is in its performances—particularly Dinklage’s narration, which carries the weight of both humor and horror. His voice is the glue that holds the series together, providing a consistent tone amidst the shifting styles of each episode. Asha Rangappa’s expert commentary adds credibility, grounding the absurdity in real-world analysis. The diverse representation of cults, including those that targeted Black individuals and Asian leaders, is a strength, though it sometimes feels like an afterthought rather than a central focus.

The series also benefits from its format, which allows for a deep dive into each cult leader’s methods. Each episode focuses on a different rule of the “cult leader’s playbook,” providing a structured approach to understanding their tactics. This format is reminiscent of How to Become a Tyrant, another Netflix series that used satire to explore political power dynamics. However, How to Become a Cult Leader lacks the same level of consistency in tone and pacing.

One of the series’ most compelling aspects is its exploration of gender dynamics within cults. Bexy Cameron, a former member of the Children Of God ‘sex cult,’ wrote for Glamour about how women are often at the highest risk of coercive control. She argues that the structure of cults is inherently patriarchal, requiring someone (usually women) to be vulnerable. This perspective adds a valuable layer to the series, highlighting the ways in which gender plays a role in cult recruitment and retention.

Despite its strengths, How to Become a Cult Leader is ultimately a mixed bag. It’s engaging when it commits to its dark comedy but frustrating when it shies away from deeper exploration. The series raises important questions about manipulation and power but often fails to provide satisfying answers. It’s a fascinating watch, but one that leaves you wanting more—more depth, more insight, and more of a call to action.

In the end, How to Become a Cult Leader is a series that will appeal to viewers who enjoy dark humor and psychological exploration. It’s not for everyone; those looking for a straightforward documentary on cults may find the satirical tone off-putting.