Dancing for the Devil Netflix : Plot, Theme, budget, Release Date, Cast, Genre, Seasons, Episodes, Runtime, Summary, What fans Expect, Where To Watch And more
Plot
“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” traces the formation of the management company 7M Films, founded by Robert Shinn, who is also a Shekinah church pastor. The series reveals claims from multiple former 7M members about how Shinn abused and manipulated them, creating a cult-like environment. It primarily focuses on the stories of two different pairs of sisters who worked with Shinn: the influencers Melanie Wilking and Miranda Derrick (formerly Wilking), and Melanie Lee and Priscylla Lee. The Lee sisters came to know Shinn after joining his Shekinah church in 1999 as young Korean immigrants. They integrated themselves into the church community and also began living in a house with other church members. Melanie Lee eventually escaped the home and left the church, trying to bring her sister with her, but Priscylla refused to leave causing them to be separated for a decade.
Theme
The central theme of “Dancing for the Devil” revolves around manipulation, abuse, and the blurred boundaries between faith, fame, and exploitation. Shinn’s influence as a pastor allowed him to form a TikTok dance management company, but behind the scenes, darker realities unfolded.
Budget
The budget for the documentary series was not publicly disclosed, but given its high production value and investigative nature, it likely had a substantial budget.
Release Date
“Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” premiered on Netflix on May 29, 2024.
Cast
The cast primarily consists of real people who were directly involved in the 7M TikTok Cult, also including former members, their families, and Robert Shinn himself.
Genre
Documentary, True Crime
Seasons and Episodes
The series comprises three episodes.
Runtime
Each episode has an approximate runtime of 45 minutes.
Summary
“Dancing for the Devil” explores how Robert Shinn went from leading a small church to founding 7M Films, a management company for TikTok dancers. It sheds light on the disturbing aspects of 7M, revealing how Shinn’s influence as a pastor allowed him to manipulate and also exploit vulnerable individuals. The series also highlights the role of social media in uncovering the truth and giving former members a platform to share their stories.
What Fans Expect
Fans of true crime documentaries can expect a gripping narrative, emotional interviews. And a deep dive into the complexities of faith, power, and deception.
Where to Watch
Viewers in the U.S. can watch “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” on Netflix.
Background and Formation of 7M Films
- Robert Shinn, the founder of 7M Films, initially started his LA-based Shekinah Church with a small group of about 15 people, including his family and his sister Catherine’s family.
- The Shekinah Church promised love and acceptance to two young Korean immigrants. Melanie Lee and her sister Priscylla, who had not experienced such care before.
- Over the years, Shinn expanded his ventures, including opening businesses such as a café, two mortgage companies, two real estate companies, and two flower shops.
- In 2021, Shinn founded 7M Films, a management company for TikTok dancers. However, the lines between the church and the talent management company remained blurry.
The Dark Side of 7M
- The documentary series “Dancing for the Devil” sheds light on the disturbing aspects of 7M Films. Former members reveal how Shinn manipulated and abused them, also creating a cult-like environment.
- The series primarily focuses on two pairs of sisters who worked with Shinn:
- Melanie Wilking and Miranda Derrick (formerly Wilking)
- Melanie Lee and Priscylla Lee
- The Lee sisters joined Shinn’s Shekinah church in 1999, integrated into the community, and lived with other church members. However, Melanie eventually escaped, while Priscylla remained, causing them to be separated for a decade.
- Shinn’s influence as a pastor allowed him to form a TikTok dance management company. And also Wilking’s Instagram Live became the catalyst for investigations into 7M, giving former members and their families a chance to share their stories.
Series Availability
- “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” premiered on Netflix on May 29, 2024.
- Viewers in the U.S. can watch the three-part docuseries at 3 a.m. ET and 12 a.m. PT.