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Netflix’s ‘Evil Influencer’ Reaches No. 1, Recasting the Ruby Franke Case Around Jodi Hildebrandt

The film foregrounds the child’s escape from Hildebrandt’s home through case footage and new interviews.

Overview

  • FlixPatrol data shows the documentary quickly climbing to the top of Netflix’s Top 10 Movies after its December 30 release.
  • The film revisits the arrests and 2024 convictions tied to child abuse, with both Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke serving consecutive terms at the Utah State Correctional Facility.
  • Director Skye Borgman says her reporting identified Hildebrandt as the story’s central figure rather than Franke.
  • Viewers have described the documentary as deeply disturbing, with many posting online that they felt emotionally beaten up after watching.
  • The narrative examines Hildebrandt’s ConneXions program and her influence over Franke while incorporating rescue and CCTV footage from the case.