Today, we’re talking twin flames, but not the MGK/Megan Fox variety – the cult variety. The cult at the center of Netflix’s latest docuseries, Escaping Twin Flames, is one that fed on the lonely and sought out the desperate. Escaping Twin Flames comes from the same documentary team behind Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult, and explores the “Twin Flames Universe,” an online community created for people looking for love.
The community, which claims to “[illuminate] the path home to eternal love,” offers paid courses and “ascension coaching” that will “unlock the full potential of The Teachings of Union.” There’s a lot more cult classic language where that came from, but it’s basically a pay-to-play romance coaching service baiting members with the promise of a “Twin Flame Union.”
The docuseries, Escaping Twin Flames, follows the stories of multiple members who have since escaped the group with claims of manipulation, abuse, and coercion. The series also digs into the tactics promoted by the Twin Flames coaches, which includes stalking the person they admire. The leaders of the cult are Jeff and Shaleia Ayan who, from their shared home in Michigan, claim to foresee and confirm romantic matches via spiritual powers. Sure, Jan.
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The buzz around Twin Flames first began in 2020, when an investigative journalist from Vanity Fair profiled the Ayans and dug into the unusual business model of their organization, which began as a Facebook group. The article asks the question, are they cult leaders, or simply just fringe influencers? Are their members victims, or targets with disposable income and low levels of media literacy?
The Twin Flames chapter of digital culture was previously documented in three parts for Amazon Prime with Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe, which dropped on October 6. This is not the first time in the age of too much TV that the same story has been documented, nearly at the same time, for different streamers. Remember March of this year, when we were being served the name “Murdaugh” from every streamer, every minute of every day? In that case, Netflix came out victorious, producing the most interesting docuseries surrounding the famous true crime case. Shall they reign supreme again, or will Twin Flames (Bezos’ Version) hold firm as the first and finest? Only time will tell.
We won’t spoil the true contents of this bizarre docuseries, but we’ll say this: Twin Flames Universe is still active online. Will Netflix be the beginning of their downfall, or will the Ayans continue to take advantage of gullible love seekers across the country?
If the evil powers at be (dating app algorithms) have you feeling lost in love, stay strong. There is strength in solitude and nothing is more beautiful than independence. More than that, there is nothing more embarrassing than being roped into a cult of love-seekers. We promise you guys, singlehood really isn’t that bad.
Watch ‘Escaping Twin Flames’ on Netflix
Courtney Young is a freelance writer covering all things entertainment and pop culture, having previously written for Betches, Mic, and The Cut. Her Real Housewives locale of choice is New Jersey, her emotional support show is Girls, and her toxic trait is romanticizing mafia culture. You can follow her on Instagram @courtneyyoungg.
