Mark Vicente and Sarah Edmondson, high-ranking former NXIVM leaders, describe the dream and mission of NXIVM to build a better world; Bonnie Piesse, Mark's wife, tells him she is worried about the organisation and leader Keith Raniere.
After seven years, Bonnie leaves NXIVM for Los Angeles and tries desperately to get through to Mark, who reassures her all is well. Mark remains loyal to Keith and NXIVM, but a series of phone calls begin to sow doubt within him.
Sarah confides to Mark about DOS, a secret group involving 'masters' and 'slaves,' and struggles in her relationships with NXIVM, her husband and her best friend; Sarah and Mark lament how many members they've recruited and question what to do next.
Mark, Bonnie, Sarah and Nippy strategise with Catherine Oxenberg about how to get her daughter, India, out of DOS, even though she wants to stay; India's close friend `Jane' describes the appeal of the organisation and why she left it all behind.
Catherine believes her daughter is in danger and wants her to come home; when she and the former members are unable to get the attention of the authorities, they approach the New York Times; Mark reflects on his time at NXIVM.
Sarah, Mark and Nippy contact additional news outlets to provoke outrage and pressure law enforcement to pay attention; Barbara Bouchey, a former board member and early defector, reflects on her time in Keith's inner circle.
Jehane Noujaim
Director
Karim Amer
Producer
Geralyn White Dreyfous