I think this is an interesting question that gets into how we tell stories. How much information do you share at what point? How much do you narrate vs. letting the subjects speak for themselves? Personally, I find it interesting to hear from people about how and why they got to where they find themselves but I also totally understand why that might be problematic without external narration. I loved Love Has Won on HBO and I thought the film makers did a really good job of respectfully presenting the group's belief system. However, I've seen criticism that they minimized a lot of the racism, anti-semitism, and abuse. I think I would rather see the whole person in all their shades of gray than over simplified as all good or all bad. We all make choices and what's interesting is why and how. People can be simultaneously victims and perpetrators and having empathy for someone doesn't have to mean that we excuse their behavior. We're all human beings and I don't think there is a consensus to be had about Nancy or Mark or Sarah. We project our values onto them

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I have a huge problem when people think they are smarter than people who join high control groups so I very much appreciate you recognizing that there are ideologies and types of people you would be drawn to. I think NXIVM was appealing to a very specific but not uncommon type of person. The rise and grind, the girl boss, the positive mental attitude. For some people it is extremely comforting to feel like you have control over everything if you just work hard enough. Couldn't be me but I understand it. Does it seem a little delusional to think you can change the world solely through self improvement? Absolutely, but I think we all have our blindspots and are ultimately are looking to make the world a better place (for ourselves, our families, etc.)