Born in Synanon is an American documentary series directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir. It follows Cassidy Arkin as she searches to learn the truth about Synanon, a group which developed into a cult.
| Born in Synanon | |
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| Directed by | Geeta Gandbhir |
| Music by | Laura Heinzinger |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 4 |
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| Running time | 55-58 minutes |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Paramount+ |
| Release | December 12, 2023 |
It premiered on December 12, 2023, on Paramount+.[1]
Premise
editCassidy Arkin searches to learn the truth about Synanon, a group which she was raised in, as it developed into a cult.[2]
Episodes
edit| No. | Title | Directed by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Individual Reality" | Geeta Gandbhir | December 12, 2023 |
| 2 | "The People-Raising Business" | Geeta Gandbhir | December 12, 2023 |
| 3 | "Great Flip of the Box" | Geeta Gandbhir | December 12, 2023 |
| 4 | "End of Utopia" | Geeta Gandbhir | December 12, 2023 |
Production
editFor over twenty years, Cassidy Arkin had been collecting materials and interviews regarding Synanon. Arkin later met Geeta Gandbhir and discussed her vision for a documentary series revolving around her growing up in Synanon.[3] Gandbhir incorporated archival footage of the group, with long sequences of The Game.[4]
Reception
editCritical reception
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 5 critics' reviews are positive.[5]
Chris Vognar of Rolling Stone praised the series writing: "A thoughtful series that grows richer with each of its four episodes, Born in Synanon is as much a personal journey as a historical study, although it ultimately manages to be both."[6] Joel Keller of Decider wrote: "Born In Synanon is unique among cult-related docuseries because it shows that not all cults start because of one person’s narcissism and messiah complex."[7]
Conversely, in a negative review, Nick Schager of The Daily Beast wrote: "Born in Synanon's framework resonates from the get-go as counterfeit, and the same goes for its lovey-dovey snapshot of Synanon’s origins."[8]
References
edit- ^ "Born in Synanon to Premiere on Tuesday, December 12". Paramount Press Express. November 16, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Ulatowski, Rachel (January 29, 2024). "Ex-Synanon Members Break Down Cult's Mixed Legacy and What America Can Learn From It". The Mary Sue. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Littleton, Cynthia (February 3, 2024). "'The Dream of What It Was': 'Born in Synanon' Probes a Cult's Legacy Through a Child's Eye". Variety. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Vognar, Chris (December 11, 2023). "Synanon and Love Has Won, Two Cults With New Docs". The New York Times. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "Born in Synanon: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Vognar, Chris (December 11, 2023). "'Born in Synanon': How a Rehab Turned Hellish Cult Preyed on Kids". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Keller, Joel (December 12, 2023). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Born In Synanon' On Paramount+, A Docuseries About A Woman Finding Out About The Experimental Community That Became A Cult". Decider. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Schager, Nick (December 11, 2023). "This Drug Rehab Center Turned Into a Violent Cult". The Daily Beast. Retrieved April 11, 2024.