Deprogrammed (2015) has all the excitement of watching paint dry, but with less color and a storyline that makes less sense. It aims to dive deep into the world of cult deprogramming, but somehow misses the pool entirely and ends up flopping on the concrete. The director, with a vision as clear as a muddy puddle, attempts to weave together interviews and archival footage, but the end result feels more like a confused grandmother trying to use a smartphone for the first time - it's endearing for a moment but quickly becomes a frustrating mess.
The documentary's pacing is so slow, you'll find yourself checking if your video player is accidentally set to 0.5x speed. Every revelation is presented with the enthusiasm of a DMV clerk at the end of a 12-hour shift. The filmmakers had the opportunity to explore the fascinating, dark world of cults and the complex process of deprogramming, yet they chose to present their findings with the depth of a kiddie pool. The only deprogramming needed here is of the viewer after watching, as you'll desperately seek to erase this cinematic snooze-fest from your memory.
In conclusion, 'Deprogrammed' manages to do the impossible: make an intriguing subject utterly boring. It's like going on a safari and spending the entire trip in the gift shop. The documentary is a meandering journey to nowhere, filled with missed opportunities and yawn-inducing interviews. Watching this film is akin to being trapped in a conversation with someone who thinks they're fascinating because they once saw a UFO, but all they have to show for it is a blurry photo of a street lamp. In a sea of captivating documentaries, this one sinks without a trace.
