Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder.
By Stephanie Morgan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Extremist cult docuseries has sexual assault, murder.
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Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder.
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What's the Story?
KRISHNAS: GURUS. KARMA. MURDER. is an investigative docuseries on an extremist sect of the Hare Krishna movement formed by a rogue disciple, Keith Ham, in the rural hills of West Virginia in 1968. The series also highlights the many criminal acts carried out by Ham and his underlings against his followers, including physical and emotional violence, widespread child molestation, and murder.
Is It Any Good?
A gripping exploration of the Hare Krishna movement in America and Western Europe, specifically an extremist sect in the hills of West Virginia during the late 1960s. The unbelievable tale told by Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murders. has hit men, whistle blowers, brainwashing, a man who believes himself to be a living god ,and even a few cameos by the likes of The Beatles and Steve Jobs. The storytelling doesn't shy away from portraying the grim living conditions at the commune, which, while morbidly fascinating, is also hard to watch, especially considering the children who lived there. Above all, this series offers another sobering lesson on the corrupting influence of power. Despite the numerous atrocities detailed, Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder. manages to conclude on an unexpectedly hopeful note. For those seeking a thought-provoking and historically rich story, this series is a perfect fit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the harmful tactics that the leader of New Vrindaban, and those under him, used to control their followers. What was it that made it so hard for people to speak out against the leaders of the sect?
Talk about the underlying misogyny of New Vrindaban. How the stereotypical roles forced on the women there put them in danger?
What seems realistic or implausible about what the characters are doing around substance abuse? What (if any) are the consequences?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 24, 2023
- Cast: Mike McCarthy
- Network: Peacock
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: November 2, 2023
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