Louis Theroux's Netflix Documentary Exposes the Manosphere
In his newest Netflix documentary, Louis Theroux ventures into the contentious world of the 'Manosphere', a digital realm populated by influencers whose extreme and often toxic views captivate millions of young male followers on social media platforms. The film, titled Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere, features encounters with prominent figures such as Harrison Sullivan, known online as HSTikkyTokky, Ed Matthews, and Myron Gaines, offering a stark and unsettling glimpse into their ideologies and business practices.
Confronting the Influencers
Theroux's approach involves polite but probing interactions, which initially seem to unsettle some of his subjects. For instance, mega-influencer Sneako, whose real name is Nico Balinthazy, searches Theroux's name during filming only to discover his extensive documentary portfolio, leading to a moment of visible discomfort. Similarly, HSTikkyTokky, a 24-year-old British influencer, experiences a crisis of confidence after meeting Theroux, abruptly cancelling a planned yacht party and departing for Dubai under the guise of a business trip. Later, he expresses paranoia to his followers, suggesting Theroux might be feigning friendship.
Another revealing moment occurs with Myron Gaines, who advocates for one-way monogamy where men have multiple partners while women do not. When his girlfriend Angie arrives and Theroux mentions Gaines's plans for multiple wives, Gaines quickly backpedals as Angie appears less than enthusiastic, highlighting the contradictions in his rhetoric.
The Profit Motive Behind the Toxicity
Despite their claims of providing life 'cheat codes' for men, Theroux uncovers that the primary aim for many Manosphere influencers is straightforward commercial gain. They promote a range of products and services, including $49-a-month online 'universities', fitness plans, and currency trading platforms with poor reviews. Sparking outrage on social media serves as a gateway to increased attention and revenue. As HSTikkyTokky candidly admits, his goal is not to save young men but to monetise fame through attention, stating, "With the attention I can get more fame, monetise."
This profit-driven mindset is evident in scenes where HSTikkyTokky introduces a woman as "my dishwasher", declares he would disown a gay son, and criticises OnlyFans creators while profiting from them. Such actions, though presented as controversial stances, are strategically designed to generate engagement and financial returns.
The Challenge of Exposing a Shameless World
Theroux's signature style of subtly undermining subjects often falls short in this context, where attention is paramount and shame is virtually absent. Ed Matthews, another British influencer featured, gains popularity by confronting strangers in public and filming interactions with women, attracting mobs of young fans. Theroux reflects on the complexity, noting, "There's definitely an element of pretending to be horrific in order to get people to engage. But what makes it more difficult is that there is also horrific stuff happening."
The documentary reveals that for these influencers, any exposure, even critical, is beneficial. A global Netflix release potentially amplifies their reach, leading to more followers, luxury purchases like expensive watches, and indulgent lifestyles centered around beach clubs. Their tastes, as Theroux observes, are notably unimaginative, yet they thrive on the mainstream attention.
Conclusion: A Hollow Victory?
While Theroux remains a master at exploring the eccentric corners of modern life, this documentary underscores a sobering reality: the Manosphere influencers not only revel in the exposure but also profit from it. The film lifts the curtain on their world, yet the subjects leverage the platform to enhance their wealth and influence. As the Manosphere gains a taste of the mainstream, it risks becoming even more entrenched and lucrative, raising questions about the impact of such visibility on societal norms.
Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a critical look at this controversial online subculture.
