The allure of cults and their ability to captivate seemingly unsuspecting individuals has long been a fascinating, yet disturbing, phenomenon. The new HBO miniseries, 'Bring Me the Beauties', delves into the enigmatic world of Eternal Values, a cult founded in the 1980s by Frederick von Mierers, and predominantly comprised of models. What makes this documentary particularly intriguing is its exploration of the fine line between self-help and cult-like behavior, and how easily one can blur into the other.
The Rise and Fall of Eternal Values
The story of Eternal Values is a captivating one, especially given its unique origins and the lack of readily available information online. Filmmaker Chris Smith, known for his insightful documentaries, was drawn to this story after meeting Hoyt Richards, a former member and often referred to as the first male supermodel. Richards' intriguing life story and the hours-long interviews he granted Smith served as the backbone of the series.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Eternal Values is the diverse range of experiences and perspectives among its members. Some recount new-age, almost whimsical experiences, while others share more menacing stories, particularly those that occurred after von Mierers' death in the 1990s. The documentary highlights the subjective nature of cult experiences, with some former members not even recognizing their involvement as cult-like.
A Cult's Influence in the Age of Social Media
What many people don't realize is that cults like Eternal Values often have a profound understanding of human psychology and the desire for self-improvement. Von Mierers' focus on 'keeping yourself at peak performance' is a concept that resonates deeply in today's society, especially with the rise of wellness and personal branding on social media. In fact, Smith speculates that von Mierers would have thrived in the age of social media, given his charismatic and physically appealing persona.
The documentary also explores the parallels between Eternal Values and more contemporary, less formally organized movements, such as those centered around wellness or the pursuit of physical perfection ('looksmaxxing'). These modern-day movements, often led by influencers, share similarities with cults in their ability to captivate and control their followers.
Archival Footage and the Retro Glow
One of the most beguiling aspects of 'Bring Me the Beauties' is its use of archival footage, which transports viewers back to the 1980s and 1990s. The retro, lower-resolution videos, including those from von Mierers' own public access show, add a unique texture and charm to the documentary. Smith's attention to detail in preserving this retro feel is commendable, especially given his previous work on the Wham! documentary, where he degraded upgraded masters to retain the original soft quality of the music videos.
A Prismatic View of Cults
What makes this documentary stand out is its refusal to paint Eternal Values with a broad brush. Instead, it presents a prismatic view, acknowledging that what one person perceives as a cult, another might see as a beneficial self-help group. This nuanced approach is a refreshing change from the typical sensationalized portrayals of cults.
In my opinion, 'Bring Me the Beauties' is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and our susceptibility to certain ideologies. It serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to be influenced, and that understanding different perspectives is crucial in navigating the complex world of cults and self-help movements. Personally, I think this documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the psychology of cults and the power of human connection.
