| Director | Derek Doneen |
| Genre | True Crime Documentary |
| Episodes | 3 |
This documentary series discusses the shocking indoctrination and manipulation within a management company called 7M Films run by self-proclaimed ‘Man of God’ Robert Shinn, who also ran a private, invite-only church called Shekinah Church. Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult is nothing short of insane – that’s the word that I couldn’t get out of my mind as I watched this absolute rollercoaster of a documentary series.
Cults are fascinating for those who are looking from the outside. However, those who are associated with it are always the worst affected and have some stories that will leave you with goosebumps. That’s what this documentary is about – it’s so chilling and so sudden that it creeps up on you before you even know it. The three episodes of the series are tight and so well-made that they leave an impact.
This is more so because the series does an excellent job of not trying to overdo anything. It focuses on straight-up conversations without frills and letting this story take centre stage. That’s an excellent choice, to be honest, because the series lets the story wash all over you and take you by surprise instead of taking your attention away from the subject with over-the-top recreations. There are also a ton of videos and images to corroborate the stories, but it’s the interviews that take centre stage and that’s the most important thing.
That’s the thing right – learning about a tragic manipulative scam from the mouths of the people themselves and realising soon how deep that goes. The accounts are given in such a heartfelt and realistic way that you can’t help but be moved. The Wilkins’ accounts are so raw that they move you and scare you at the same time. The series does a fantastic job of keeping you glued to your screens and every moment is filled with some form of mystery and intrigue as you wait with bated breath to understand whether or not these artists were able to get out alive!
The other part of this story, of course, is Robert Shinn of Shekinah Church. Shinn is a mysterious figure in the show but the series slowly opens itself up to give us a thrilling recollection of Shinn as he extends his deadly influence on everyone. Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult is a brilliant portrayal of the damaging effects of cults on its members and how easily seemingly worldly people can become a part of them in spite of knowing better. The slow increase of Shinn’s control over everyone under him is so smooth and sneaky that you will be left devasted at the effects that his actions have on so many innocent people.
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult Review: Final Thoughts
This documentary is a thrilling and worthwhile watch for everyone who are interested in cults and their deadly effects. Viewers will get an in-depth look into a loving family’s battle to get their daughter out and a pastor’s wish to keep unsuspecting and impressionable people under his thumb.