Netflix’s Chilling New True Crime Doc: A Must-Watch Twisted Tale
Netflix’s Latest True Crime Documentary: A Must-Watch
Are you on the hunt for a gripping new true crime documentary to dive into? Netflix has once again delivered with Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, the latest film from Skye Borgman, the director behind Abducted in Plain Sight and Girl in the Picture. This documentary uncovers a shocking true story that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The Rise of Evil Influencer
Since its release on December 30th, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story has taken the top spot as the most-streamed movie on Netflix globally. The documentary delves into the disturbing tale of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt and her relationship with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke, which spiraled into a harrowing case of child abuse.
Why This Documentary Stands Out
Skye Borgman, known for her compelling storytelling in true crime documentaries, has crafted another must-watch film. Given her track record with films like Abducted in Plain Sight and Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, it’s no surprise that this latest documentary has garnered significant attention.
Over the years, snippets of this heart-wrenching story have surfaced, piquing the curiosity of true crime enthusiasts. Borgman’s previous works have set high expectations, and Evil Influencer promises to be another gripping addition to the genre.
Viewer Reactions
Viewers have described the documentary as both heart-wrenching and essential viewing. One IMDb reviewer wrote, “This documentary is heavy, upsetting, and necessary. It will make your heart ache and your blood boil. It’s not something you casually watch for entertainment, but something you watch to understand how dangerous unchecked influence can be.”
On Rotten Tomatoes, another viewer commented, “I was new to this story, so I can’t compare it to other documentaries of the same topic, but I thought it did a fairly decent job laying out the pertinent details. The interview with the detective provided a helpful narrative throughout, and hearing personal accounts from previous clients was interesting.” A third viewer added, “Wow, this was a powerful story of influence.”
The Story Unfolds
The documentary traces the rise of Jodi Hildebrandt, a family counselor based in Utah who met content creator Ruby Franke through a local Mormon church. Jodi was the founder of ConneXions, a life-coaching company where she claimed to “fix” families like Ruby’s.
After forming a close bond with Ruby, who shared six children with her husband Kevin at the time, Jodi’s focus on the Franke family led to both women being arrested on suspicion of child abuse. The official synopsis summarizes: “Unravel the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, whose child abuse arrest with parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke exposed a twisted tale of manipulation.”
Where Is Jodi Hildebrandt Now?
Jodi was convicted of four counts of aggravated child abuse and sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in February 2024. Despite serving time at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City, the documentary’s director says Jodi has continued her behavior from behind bars.
“[Jodi] was creating these little groups of women and talking to them about addiction, and seeking out people who have drug addictions or alcohol addictions,” said Skye. “She’s looking for people who have vulnerabilities and trying to coach them or counsel them within this prison structure. So, it seems like she’s continuing to do what she was doing outside.”
For those interested in true crime and the darker side of influence, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is a must-watch. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and manipulation.
Watch the official trailer here.
