Cult documentaries have surged in popularity, particularly on streaming services like Netflix, with notable examples including *Dancing with the Devil: A Cult on Tik Tok?* and *Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey*. Television has also explored this theme through dramas like TF1’s *Under the Influence of a Cult* and France 2’s upcoming *Blessed be Sixtine*, which depicts a woman’s harrowing experience within a fundamentalist group, drawing from the author Maylis Adhémar’s own upbringing in a strict religious environment.
Exploring the Fascinating World of Cult Documentaries
Documentaries and series about cults have gained substantial popularity over the years, captivating audiences with their intriguing narratives. Streaming platforms like Netflix have contributed significantly to this trend, offering a variety of mini-series that delve into the darker sides of cults. Notable among these is *Dancing with the Devil: A Cult on Tik Tok?*, which premiered in 2024, as well as the gripping *Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey*, which uncovered the disturbing crimes of Warren Jeffs and left viewers in shock upon its 2022 release. Additionally, the series *Anthracite*, featuring Camille Lou, Hatik, and Noémie Schmidt, debuted in 2024, blending fiction with inspiration drawn from real-life events.
New Dramas Exploring Cult Themes on Television
Television networks have also ventured into the realm of cult-themed narratives, offering both fictional series and films. In 2024, TF1 introduced *Under the Influence of a Cult*, which tells the story of Julia, who becomes entwined with a cult known as “The Family” following the mysterious disappearance of her best friend. Meanwhile, M6 showcased *Nine Perfect Strangers* in 2021, featuring Nicole Kidman as a charismatic guru leading a group of individuals on a transformative retreat. Now, France 2 is set to premiere its latest film, *Blessed be Sixtine*, on Wednesday, February 5, at 9:10 PM.
*Blessed be Sixtine* is a compelling adaptation of the novel by Maylis Adhémar, directed by Sophie Reine and co-written by Zoé Galeron and Dominique Garnier, who collaborated closely with the author. The narrative follows Sixtine, portrayed by Capucine Valmary, as she becomes involved with Pierre-Louis Sue, played by Adrien Dewitte, who is a member of the cult known as The Brothers of the Cross. After their marriage, Sixtine is pulled into this fundamentalist Catholic group, leading her into a harrowing experience filled with isolation and manipulation.
As Sixtine becomes increasingly confined to the cult’s oppressive environment, her mother-in-law, played by Valérie Karsenti, emerges as the matriarch enforcing its strict rules. The story takes a turn when Sixtine realizes her mother-in-law’s intentions to take away her child, prompting her to summon the courage to escape this nightmarish situation. However, the journey back to normalcy proves to be fraught with challenges, leaving viewers to ponder whether Sixtine can rebuild her life and find peace.
The film *Blessed be Sixtine* draws inspiration from Maylis Adhémar’s personal experiences, as she recounts her upbringing in a devout family affiliated with a similar movement. In her book, she describes a world where religious observance dictates daily life, with strict separations between boys and girls from a young age and rigid expectations placed on women. Adhémar shared her reflections in an interview with Journal Toulousain, stating, “It is an environment I know well, as I grew up in a very practicing family belonging to this movement called the tradis, even if it was not as snobbish as the one described in my book.” This intimate connection to the subject matter adds depth and authenticity to the narrative of *Blessed be Sixtine*.