Netflix viewers have been left “deeply disturbed” by the streaming service’s latest true crime documentary about a horrific child abuse case

Netflix fans forced to ‘fast-forward’ over ‘deeply disturbing’ new film(Image: NETFLIX)

A deeply disturbing true crime documentary has taken the top position on Netflix’s film chart, leaving audiences both heartbroken and profoundly unsettled. Sitting at number one, this “twisted” real-life account reached its conclusion in 2024 when two women received four consecutive sentences ranging from one to 15 years for appalling offences.

Since its arrival on the streaming service on Tuesday, 30th December, the documentary has clearly resonated with subscribers, who have been watching the platform’s newest crime offering in significant numbers. Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story exposes the disturbing connection between family counsellor Hildebrandt and content creator Ruby Franke.

Both residing in Utah, the pair met at their local Mormon church and developed a tight-knit friendship, eventually deciding to collaborate professionally, reports the Mirror.

Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is at the top of Netflix’s film chart(Image: NETFLIX)

Hildebrandt, who established the life-coaching business ConneXions, became increasingly involved in Franke’s world as she sought to “fix” the content creator’s contentious parenting methods and household relationships.

Their destructive partnership ultimately resulted in both women being convicted of child abuse, with their arrests following the discovery of one of Franke’s children on CCTV footage fleeing Hildebrandt’s residence, where the child and a younger sibling had been held against their will. The pair are presently incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City.

Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were found guilty of child abuse(Image: YOUTUBE)

The documentary has profoundly affected viewers, who have flocked to social media platforms to express their responses. One viewer on X posted: “This Evil Influencer documentary on Netflix is so deeply disturbing.” Another was left reeling within moments of starting the film: “I’m 5 minutes into the Evil Influencer Netflix doc and I’ve already said ‘my God’ out loud at least 3 times.”

A third admitted: “I feel emotionally beaten up after watching Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story. The utter depravity and malevolence. I didn’t think the story could get any worse than what was in the news when it happened, but I was wrong.”

Discussion spilled over onto Reddit, where one person revealed: “Oh Gosh , I am not okay. This show had me shaking I was so upset!” Another responded: “Yes I saw it. Truly sick people.

“I fast forwarded it to about ten minutes from the end after watching it for awhile. Didn’t need to know all the details.”

The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan even called for a documentary break, questioning in her review whether viewers should “shall we all vow not to watch true-crime this twisted in 2026?”

Numerous Netflix subscribers have found themselves both captivated and appalled by the streaming giant’s latest documentary offering, serving as a clear warning that Evil Influencer might be best avoided by anyone seeking lighter fare this weekend.