Horrified Netflix viewers have been left sickened by a true crime documentary and are turning it off halfway through.
The film examines one of the most disturbing modern cases of manipulation and abuse tied to online influence and religious extremism.
It chronicles the real-life downfall of Jodie Hildebrandt, a once-respected Mormon therapist and life coach, who built a following advising on marriage, family, and personal issues.
The documentary tracks her trajectory from trusted guide to the center of a shocking child-abuse scandal that culminated in her arrest alongside a former YouTube mom-influencer, Ruby Franke.
Throughout, the film offers a detailed recounting of what happened, while raising chilling questions about influence, authority, and the dangers of unchecked power in online and real-world communities.
Audiences sickened by documentary
After watching the true crime doc, viewers took to social media to share their reactions.
One person said on Reddit: “Oh gosh, I am not okay. This show had me shaking. I was so upset.”
Another said simply: “I felt sick watching this.”
A third shared: “This was beyond f***ed. I couldn’t watch it the whole way through.”
Someone else added: “Just finished watching this documentary. I cried, felt angry and sick to my stomach.”
Who is Ruby Franke?
Before her arrest, Ruby Franke was a hugely popular family vlogger who ran the YouTube channel ‘8 Passengers,’ which documented her life raising six children alongside her husband, Kevin.
At its peak, the channel attracted millions of subscribers and was promoted as wholesome, faith-based family content.
However, controversy followed Franke for years, with viewers raising concerns over her strict and often punitive parenting style.
Clips circulated online showing children being denied food, sleeping on bean bags instead of beds, and being punished for minor behavior.
Critics accused Franke of emotional abuse, while supporters defended her as simply enforcing discipline.
Eventually, the backlash grew too loud to ignore. The channel was suspended, but Franke did not retreat from public life.
Instead, she became even more involved in life coaching and parenting advice, where her views would take a far darker turn.
Who is Jodie Hildebrandt and how were they connected?
Hildebrandt was a licensed therapist and founder of a counseling organization that promoted rigid moral frameworks, obedience, and extreme accountability.
She presented herself as an authority figure on personal growth, relationships and parenting, gaining trust within religious communities and beyond.
Franke became one of her followers and later her close collaborator.
Over time, Hildebrandt’s influence over Franke reportedly deepened, with friends and family later describing a dynamic that became increasingly controlling and isolating.
Under Hildebrandt’s guidance, Franke cut off relationships, embraced more extreme beliefs, and placed full trust in Hildebrandt’s methods, including her approach to parenting and discipline.
The documentary suggests the line between therapy, spiritual guidance and control became dangerously blurred.
The arrests
The case came to light in August 2023, when one of Franke’s young children escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor.
Police responding to the call discovered evidence of severe physical neglect, including malnourishment and signs of restraint.
Further investigation revealed that Franke’s two youngest children had been living in conditions authorities described as deeply abusive.
Both women were arrested and later charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse.
The case sent shockwaves through online communities, particularly among former fans of Franke’s family channel.
What the documentary reveals
The documentary, titled The Evil Influencer, goes beyond headlines, offering testimony from law enforcement, former clients, and family members affected by Hildebrandt’s influence.
It explores how warning signs were missed, dismissed or explained away, and how authority figures were able to operate unchecked for years.
The film also examines the psychological tactics used to justify abuse, including moral absolutism, fear, and isolation, painting a disturbing picture of how influence can be weaponized when accountability disappears.
Watch the trailer below…
The Evil Influencer is currently streaming on Netflix.
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