Louis Theroux's Manosphere Documentary Criticised as a Frustrating Failure
Louis Theroux's latest Netflix documentary, "Inside the Manosphere", has been labelled an infuriating failure by critics. The film, which marks Theroux's first project under a new deal with the streaming giant, attempts to delve into the toxic online subculture known as the manosphere but ultimately falls short, unintentionally providing a mainstream platform to the very individuals it seeks to critique.
Out of Depth in a Digital Morass
Theroux, renowned for his gentle, observational style in television documentaries, appears out of his depth when confronting the modern internet's apathetic immorality. In "Inside the Manosphere", his wry questions are met with obfuscation typical of TikTok-brained influencers, and his attempts at revelation are blocked by what critics describe as a wall of protein-shake sociopathy. The documentary explores what is termed The New Sexism, a social ill propagated through YouTube, live streams, and dubious apps where men coach others on becoming misogynists with degenerative views on gender, money, and sex.
Meeting the Manosphere Figures
Theroux encounters several key figures in this sphere, including Harrison Sullivan, known online as HSTikkyTokky, who boasts about teaching men to be "proper guys" and avoid being "soy boy gimps". Other personalities featured are American streamers Myron Gaines and Sneako, along with British internet figure Ed Matthews, whose content ranges from fitness tips to conspiracy theories and live-streamed predator stings. These individuals exemplify a jack-of-all-trades approach to digital infamy, thriving on attention and financial gain.
Struggles with Hypocrisy and Morality
Throughout the documentary, Theroux grapples with the hypocrisy of his subjects. For instance, Sullivan monetises collaborations with OnlyFans models while disparaging their work, and hosts porn performer Bonnie Blue only to insult her. When questioned, Sullivan shrugs off concerns, stating he did it for clout and views, which proved successful. Theroux's interactions highlight a moral cesspool where personal financial gain trumps all else, leaving him unprepared to navigate this landscape effectively.
Collateral Damage and Futile Intellectualising
The film occasionally touches on collateral damage, such as Gaines's girlfriend Angie, who eventually leaves him after expressing discomfort with his plans for multiple wives. Theroux also meets devoted followers of the manosphere who endure homelessness and misery in hopes of reward from a cigar-smoking success coach. However, these moments are overshadowed by Theroux's futile attempts to intellectualise the phenomenon, asking questions like whether it relates to absentee fathers, while inadvertently boosting the profiles of those he interviews.
Amplifying the Very Problem
Critics argue that "Inside the Manosphere" fails in its mission to expose the manosphere as exploitative, instead providing maximum exposure to individuals who view any attention as a victory. Sullivan's mother poses a poignant question to Theroux: if he disagrees with her son's actions, why publicise them on a programme? Theroux has no answer, highlighting the documentary's core flaw. By the end, Sullivan revels in his crossover into mainstream media, remarking that he is playing the game of life very well, leaving viewers with a bitter taste.
"Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere" is currently streaming on Netflix, but many reviewers suggest it serves more as a platform for its subjects than a critical examination, ultimately failing to challenge the toxic culture it aims to dissect.
