Born in Synanon explained

Director:Geeta Gandbhir
Country:United States
Num Episodes:4
Music:Laura Heinzinger
Language:English
Runtime:55-58 minutes
Network:Paramount+

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.

It premiered on December 12, 2023, on Paramount+.[1]

Premise

Cassidy Arkin searches to learn the truth about Synanon, a group which she was raised in, as it developed into a cult.[2]

Production

For 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

Critical reception

[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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Born in Synanon to Premiere on Tuesday, December 12. Paramount Press Express. November 16, 2023. April 11, 2024.
  2. Web site: Ex-Synanon Members Break Down Cult’s Mixed Legacy and What America Can Learn From It. The Mary Sue. Rachel. Ulatowski. January 29, 2024. April 11, 2024.
  3. Web site: ‘The Dream of What It Was’: ‘Born in Synanon’ Probes a Cult’s Legacy Through a Child’s Eye. Variety. Cynthia. Littleton. February 3, 2024. April 11, 2024.
  4. Web site: Synanon and Love Has Won, Two Cults With New Docs. The New York Times. Chris. Vognar. December 11, 2023. April 11, 2024.
  5. born_in_synanon. Born in Synanon. tv. 1. April 11, 2024. y.
  6. Web site: ‘Born in Synanon’: How a Rehab Turned Hellish Cult Preyed on Kids. Rolling Stone. Chris. Vognar. December 11, 2023. April 11, 2024.
  7. Web site: 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. Joel. Keller. December 12, 2023. April 11, 2024.
  8. Web site: This Drug Rehab Center Turned Into a Violent Cult. The Daily Beast. Nick. Schager. December 11, 2023. April 11, 2024.