“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” is a documentary on Netflix directed by Derek Doneen.
7M is an entertainment company founded by Robert Shinn. It started as an agency promoting young dancers, securing them contracts and large sums of money. They lived and worked together, and also attended a church supposedly created by the company’s owner, Robert Shinn.
In early 2020, a girl who began dancing on social media with her sister met another dancer. Gradually, they started talking and eventually moved to Los Angeles, where they were selected by 7M. Life changed dramatically as the girl distanced herself from her family and became more involved in Robert Shinn’s religious services. Interestingly, Shinn was also the pastor of the said church.
The Narrators of “The 7M TikTok Cult”
It features exceptional narrators, including the victim’s parents and sister, who share their story and provide videos and phone recordings of events. Additionally, the documentary includes insights from the lawyer who handled the case and other members of the cult led by Robert Shinn.
Structure: A Documentary with Narrative Elements
Although “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” is a documentary, it incorporates many cinematic elements, including a well-crafted script. It doesn’t reveal everything upfront, instead, it unveils details gradually, maintaining the mystery surrounding this con man. The dramatizations are well-executed, with excellent cinematography and a suspenseful rhythm that makes it engaging.
Our Take
This is a sad, dramatic tale of young people deceived by a manipulative individual who exploited them for his gain. However, as a documentary, “Dancing for the Devil” is impeccable in its storytelling, creating intrigue and drawing viewers into the mystery of this cult. Promising eternal life, it instead robbed these young individuals of their labor and dreams.
While “Dancing for the Devil” offers an engaging narrative and high production value, the story it tells is deeply unsettling. It serves as a stark reminder of how easily trust can be manipulated and the devastating consequences that can follow.
Where to Watch “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult”
