Louis Theroux's Manosphere Documentary Faces Scathing Criticism
Louis Theroux's latest documentary, Inside the Manosphere, has been branded an infuriating failure by critics. The film, which marks Theroux's first project under a new deal with Netflix, attempts to delve into the toxic online subculture known as the manosphere but ultimately falls short, according to a review published on Thursday 12 March 2026.
A Clash of Media Worlds
The review highlights an unnatural collision between legacy media and the modern internet, describing it as akin to a mismatched pairing that results in a shameful mess. Theroux, celebrated as a watchable representative of television's old guard, employs his signature gentle, observational style. However, this approach proves ineffective against an online culture characterised by apathetic immorality and attention-seeking behaviour.
Throughout the documentary, Theroux's wry questions are met with obfuscation typical of TikTok-influenced minds, and his attempts to challenge subjects are blocked by what the review terms a wall of protein-shake sociopathy. Inside the Manosphere is depicted as a failure where Theroux is repeatedly bested by a swarm of individuals driven by money and a thirst for mainstream recognition.
Exploring The New Sexism
The documentary explores what is termed The New Sexism, a social ill propagated through platforms like YouTube, live streams, and dubious apps. Here, men coach others on how to be better, which in this context translates to adopting misogynistic views, pursuing wealth through questionable means, and subjugating women. Key figures featured include Harrison Sullivan, known online as HSTikkyTokky, who boasts about teaching boys to be proper guys and avoid becoming what he derides as soy boy gimps.
Theroux encounters various manosphere influencers, such as American streamers Myron Gaines and Sneako, and British internet personality Ed Matthews. Matthews exemplifies a jack-of-all-trades approach to digital infamy, producing content ranging from fitness tips to conspiracy theories and live-streamed predator stings.
Struggles and Hypocrisy
While observing streams and visiting locations like Marbella gyms, Theroux struggles to comprehend the individuals he profiles. He focuses on their hypocrisy, such as Sullivan monetising OnlyFans models while disparaging their work, but this tactic yields little impact. Sullivan openly admits to actions for clout and views, gloating about the success of his strategies.
The review notes that Theroux seems unprepared for a moral cesspool where financial gain trumps all else. Interactions with figures like Ellie Nutts, an OnlyFans model, lead nowhere as she expresses indifference to others' opinions. Sullivan defends himself against accusations of bigotry by claiming to employ gay and Jewish individuals, while women on Gaines's streams submit to debasement to promote their online profiles. The sexism, antisemitism, and pseudo-science displayed are appalling yet rendered meaningless in a world obsessed with attention.
Collateral Damage and Futile Intellectualising
Occasional glimpses of collateral damage are shown, such as Gaines's girlfriend Angie, who eventually leaves him after expressing discomfort with his polygamous plans. Theroux also meets devoted followers of the manosphere, including individuals enduring homelessness and misery in hopes of future rewards, with one denying the existence of depression.
Despite these moments, the documentary is criticised for its fundamental uselessness. Theroux intellectualises the phenomenon, pondering links to absentee fathers, but falls prey to subjects eager to exploit his celebrity for profile boosts. Sullivan, though paranoid about Theroux's intentions, welcomes further interactions due to increased video views, effectively using the documentary to become a household name and expand the manosphere's reach.
A Frustrating Conclusion
In a poignant moment, Sullivan's mother questions Theroux about publicising her son's actions if he disagrees with them, a query that leaves Theroux without a response. The review concludes that Inside the Manosphere may have aimed to expose beasts and charlatans exploiting a lost generation of men, but it ultimately provides maximum exposure to those who view any attention as a victory. The documentary ends with Theroux lamenting Sullivan's crossover into mainstream media, as Sullivan boasts about playing the game of life very well, leaving a bitter and nasty aftertaste for viewers.
