The documentary series "Escaping Twin Flames," released on Netflix, delves into the alarming operations of an online self-help group promising to match people with their destined soulmates. This three-part series, directed by Cecilia Peck, arrives on the heels of Prime Video's similar documentary, "Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe." It exposes the deceptive practices of Jeff and Shaleia Divine, who manipulate their followers using contemporary cult tactics, including pressuring women into gender transitioning.
"Escaping Twin Flames," debuting on November 8, methodically dismantles the operations of Jeff and Shaleia. They have lucratively built their business, Twin Flames Universe (TFU), on the promise of helping people find their "Twin Flames" or soulmates. The TFU program, comprising classes, coaching, and materials centered around the “Mirror Exercise,” purports to guide individuals towards a "Harmonious Union" with their destined partners. Initially, Jeff and Shaleia claimed that followers would naturally recognize their True Flames. However, they soon asserted that, due to their own "magical" union, they alone had the authority to identify these matches.
The documentary, through interviews with former members, uncovers the ludicrous nature of these claims and the vulnerability of people desperately seeking fulfillment. A notable story involves Keely, who married Colby, allegedly her True Flame, and persuaded her sister Marlee to join TFU. Marlee was convinced by Jeff to move to Utah to be with a man she barely knew, a decision that predictably did not lead to a happy ending.
The series also reveals the cult-like strategy of encouraging members to sever ties with family and friends who might question their TFU involvement. One of the highlighted cases is that of Louise, whose daughter, Stephanie, completely cut off contact with her family, including her twin sister, Paula. The series underlines the destructive nature of such cult tactics, further evidenced by Jeff’s audacious claim of being a modern-day Jesus Christ.
Jeff's history as a fraud is also explored, starting with his claim to cure cancer for a fee. After meeting Shaleia (real name: Megan), they conceived the TFU scheme. A particularly disturbing aspect of their operation was the push to classify members as either "Divine Masculine" or "Divine Feminine," leading to recommendations for gender transitioning among predominantly female members. This manipulation culminated in some members undergoing significant surgeries.
The documentary poignantly captures the emotional turmoil of former members, filled with remorse and guilt for their actions under Jeff and Shaleia’s influence. Dr. Janja Lalich's commentary in the series highlights the tragic aspect of cults: they transform victims into perpetrators. Keely's journey, as a former TFU spokesperson, exemplifies this tragic transformation.
While "Escaping Twin Flames" effectively portrays the deviousness of Jeff and Shaleia’s scheme, it notably lacks a deeper analysis of the psychological factors that make individuals susceptible to such deceptive promises. The series, though empathetic, could benefit from a broader exploration of why people fall prey to such obvious falsehoods. Despite this, the documentary stands as a crucial caution against the still-active TFU and the broader danger of similar cult-like operations in the digital age.
