From books and docuseries to podcasts and big-screen thrillers, true-crime tales are everywhere. Much of it is thinly researched retreads of well-worn cases and subjects that feel exploitative in the end.
“Born in Synanon” is none of those things. The four-part documentary, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, that premiered in December on Paramount+, is a richly detailed look at the evolution of the California-based cult from the 1960s through its demise in the early 1990s. The storytelling is enhanced by a wealth of high-quality film footage of the inner workings of a group that began as a sober-living program but descended into the madness of a cult. And the perspective could not be more intimate. “Born in Synanon” follows Cassidy Arkin, whose parents were prominent members when she was born in 1974, as she tries to make sense of the community that surrounded her for the first six years of her life.
“Born in Synanon” is none of those things. The four-part documentary, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, that premiered in December on Paramount+, is a richly detailed look at the evolution of the California-based cult from the 1960s through its demise in the early 1990s. The storytelling is enhanced by a wealth of high-quality film footage of the inner workings of a group that began as a sober-living program but descended into the madness of a cult. And the perspective could not be more intimate. “Born in Synanon” follows Cassidy Arkin, whose parents were prominent members when she was born in 1974, as she tries to make sense of the community that surrounded her for the first six years of her life.
- 2/3/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Synanon, the self-help rehabilitation center turned notorious cult that operated from the 1960s through the 1980s, was initially pitched as a refuge for people with substance abuse disorder. Back then, people in recovery didn't have many options for getting genuine treatment. As the interviewees for the new Paramount+ documentary series Born in Synanon recall, the alternatives were either jail or an asylum.
Like many (though not all) cults, there was a germ of virtue in Synanon's origin story. The group’s rise in the 1960s coincided with a time of great upheaval in American society, and its origins as a drug treatment program pointed to an honest desire to help people. And, as director Geeta Gandbhir and former Synanon member Cassidy Arkin learn through their many interviews, many former members do credit the organization and its founder Chuck Dederich with getting them clean.
Like many (though not all) cults, there was a germ of virtue in Synanon's origin story. The group’s rise in the 1960s coincided with a time of great upheaval in American society, and its origins as a drug treatment program pointed to an honest desire to help people. And, as director Geeta Gandbhir and former Synanon member Cassidy Arkin learn through their many interviews, many former members do credit the organization and its founder Chuck Dederich with getting them clean.
- 12/12/2023
- by Joe Reid
- Primetimer
When I was a kid growing up in the Berkeley flatlands, I used to play with a couple of neighbor kids, Tony and his little brother, Mikey. One day in 1979, two men got out of a car, approached Tony and Mikey’s house, and beat another man with a club. The neighborhood buzz was that the assailants were from a group called Synanon, and they were unhappy that their victim had left the group.
I was nine at the time, and none of this made sense. But it all came...
I was nine at the time, and none of this made sense. But it all came...
- 12/11/2023
- by Chris Vognar
- Rollingstone.com
“Black Mirror” Renewed at Netflix
The future is now for “Black Mirror.” The hit Netflix sci-fi series has received a Season 7 renewal after its much-anticipated return this year.
Created by Charlie Brooker, “Black Mirror” consists of standalone drama episodes “that tap into the collective unease about the modern world,” exploring technoparanoia and the “intended and unintended consequences of new technologies and the effect they have on society and individuals.” After a four-year hiatus, it returned for a sixth season this past June and reached the Top 10 in 92 countries’ viewing records.
Watch the trailer for Season 6 of “Black Mirror” below:
Casting has yet to be announced for Season 7. The five-part Season 6 featured a host of A-listers, including Salma Hayek, Annie Murphy, Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, and Paapa Essiedu
Sign Up $6.99+ / month netflix.com Max Announces Holiday Collection
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Max! The streamer’s...
The future is now for “Black Mirror.” The hit Netflix sci-fi series has received a Season 7 renewal after its much-anticipated return this year.
Created by Charlie Brooker, “Black Mirror” consists of standalone drama episodes “that tap into the collective unease about the modern world,” exploring technoparanoia and the “intended and unintended consequences of new technologies and the effect they have on society and individuals.” After a four-year hiatus, it returned for a sixth season this past June and reached the Top 10 in 92 countries’ viewing records.
Watch the trailer for Season 6 of “Black Mirror” below:
Casting has yet to be announced for Season 7. The five-part Season 6 featured a host of A-listers, including Salma Hayek, Annie Murphy, Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, and Paapa Essiedu
Sign Up $6.99+ / month netflix.com Max Announces Holiday Collection
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Max! The streamer’s...
- 11/22/2023
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Paramount+ today announced that the documentary series Born In Synanon will premiere exclusively on the service, beginning Tuesday, December 12. Directed by Geeta Gandbhir (Why We Hate), the four-part series chronicles one woman’s journey to discover the truth about Synanon, the experimental community that turned into a full-blown cult. Cassidy Arkin was born into Synanon. Her earliest memories are of a happy place with extended family, a portrait that stands in stark contrast to the abusive hierarchical society into which it evolved and that her peers vividly recall. What began as a successful drug-and-alcohol treatment program would become a fully established, racially inclusive utopian ... Read more...
- 11/18/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.