The Vow (HBO)

About The Vow (HBO)

The Vow is a riveting HBO documentary series which debuted in 2020. It explores the inner workings of the controversial self-improvement group NXIVM (pronounced "Nexium"), including its associated entities "Executive Success Programs” and “The Source.” Using first-hand accounts of former members and never-before-seen footage, the series unfolds the story of the manipulative tactics, sexual exploitation, and deceit that escalated as high-ranking members rose through the ranks of the organization.

Making / Production

The Vow is helmed by directors Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer. They artfully capture the shocking world of NXIVM through interviews, archival footage, legal documents, and surveillance tape. The series becomes a case study of the group’s descent from a self-help course to a criminal enterprise prosecuted for sex trafficking and racketeering.

Actors

• Mark Vicente: As a former senior member of NXIVM, Vicente narrates his experience in the organization, vividly bringing his journey and eventual disillusionment to life.
• Sarah Edmondson: Edmondson depicts her role as a high-ranking member whose shocking revelations played a pivotal role in exposing NXIVM's horrifying practices.
• Anthony "Nippy" Ames: As Sarah's husband and a former NXIVM trainer himself, Ames provides a unique perspective on the group's ensnaring tactics.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Both directors, Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer have worked together before on hard-hitting films like "The Square" and "The Great Hack."
• NXIVM founder Keith Raniere was convicted in 2019 for racketeering, sex trafficking, and other crimes.
• Each episode of the series uncovers a new layer to the organization’s deception, including the shocking revelation of a secret sorority within NXIVM that branded its female members.

Quotes

• "It was a community of people who were trying to be the best versions of themselves." - Mark Vicente
• "I had this feeling like something's not right. - Sarah Edmondson
• "I was in a cult for 12 years and didn't know it until I got out." - Catherine Oxenberg

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting score for The Vow is composed by Peter Nashel, notable for his work on Marco Polo, Incorporated and The Night Listener.
• The music is reflective of the series’ darker angles and succeeds in enhancing the tense and suspenseful atmosphere.