The Vow

What’s it rated? TV-MA

When? 2020

Where’s it showing? HBO

REIGN OF TERROR The Vow is an inside look at recently convicted Keith Raniere’s (pictured) business-turned-cult that left members destitute, branded, and forced into sexual slavery. This HBO series chronicles retellings by Raniere’s victims as well as outlining the rise and fall of this cult that hid behind self-growth. Credit: Photo Courtesy Of The Othrs And Hbo

HBO’s new series The Vow is an in-depth look at NXIVM and its leader Keith Raniere’s rise and fall as he indoctrinated, brainwashed, and recruited members of his self-described “multi-level marketing company.” Behind the guise of betterment and self-improvement, Raniere’s reign of terror left families torn apart and women branded and imprisoned into sexual slavery.

To be in the club is to be exclusive, but soon the simple idea of finding your joy is overshadowed by the power-hungry, conniving Raniere and those he has recruited as his closest followers. The series combines footage of Raniere in various talks and interviews, woven with talking heads of former members and experts who bring closely held and private truths about the inner-workings of the group and what extracting yourself from it really meant. Losing your family, your friends, and the collateral that Raniere demanded—your house, your savings, your life.

This is bound to be a fascinating series from beginning to end. Episodes are released one at a time on Sunday nights through HBO and HBOMax. (nine 55- to 60-min. episodes) Δ

This article appears in Sep 10-17, 2020.