A new HBO docuseries, 'Bring Me the Beauties', is shedding light on a previously underexplored 1980s cult that uniquely targeted individuals within the modelling industry. The series aims to unpick the psychological processes that led a group of models to become enmeshed in an organisation described as image-obsessed, prompting questions about vulnerability and influence.
The documentary is helmed by Chris Smith, a filmmaker with a distinctive portfolio. Smith gained critical acclaim for his 1999 independent film 'American Movie', which chronicled a struggling director's journey to complete a horror film in the hope of funding a more ambitious project. More recently, Smith has directed a number of biographical projects for streaming platforms, profiling figures such as Jim Carrey and Andy Kaufman, as well as the musical acts Devo and Wham! His latest work signals a return to exploring the human condition through a more investigative lens, moving from celebrity profiles to the intricate dynamics of a cult.
The docuseries is expected to provide context on the specific environment of the 1980s that might have made models particularly susceptible. The era's burgeoning fashion industry and the intense focus on appearance could have created an opportune setting for a manipulative group to exert control, offering promises of success, belonging, or spiritual enlightenment that exploited existing insecurities or ambitions. The show's title, 'Bring Me the Beauties', itself hints at the cult's focus on aesthetics and the recruitment of attractive individuals.
While specific details about the cult's practices and leadership are anticipated to be revealed within the series, the overarching narrative will likely explore themes of manipulation, power dynamics, and the often-subtle ways in which individuals can be drawn into high-control groups. The series may also touch upon the long-term impact on survivors and the challenges of recovering from such experiences, providing a broader understanding of cult phenomena beyond the more widely publicised examples.
'Bring Me the Beauties' is available to stream in the UK on Sky Atlantic and NOW, offering British audiences an opportunity to delve into this lesser-known chapter of cult history. The series contributes to a growing body of documentary work exploring cults and their psychological underpinnings, a subject that continues to fascinate and caution audiences globally.