Netflix’s latest true-crime documentary on Jodi Hildebrandt has left viewers feeling sick and outraged.
Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, directed by true crime staple Skye Borgman, hit Netflix on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
The film dives into the horrific 2023 abuse case that shocked Utah and the wider internet, featuring exclusive interviews with Franke family members speaking in-depth for the first time.
The film recounts how Hildebrandt - a licensed counselor and life coach who often worked with LDS [Latter Day Saints] families - and Ruby Franke, a Mormon influencer with a massive YouTube following, became collaborators in what prosecutors later described as religiously-motivated torture.
Franke had moved into Hildebrandt’s home in May 2023, shortly after separating from her husband, Kevin Franke.
It all unraveled on August 30, 2023, when Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped through a window of Hildebrandt’s Utah home and turned up at a neighbor’s house emaciated, with open wounds and duct tape on his limbs.
His 10-year-old sister was later found inside the home, malnourished, injured, and reportedly kept in a closet.
Inside the residence, police also discovered disturbing evidence such as hidden ropes, handcuffs, and a “safe room.”
Prosecutor Eric Clarke said the women used religion to justify abusing the children and claimed they were “casting the evil spirits".
Audience and Critics' Reactions To The Documentary
Though Evil Influencer is consistent with Borgman’s style - giving space to victims and avoiding unnecessary sensationalism - some critics have questioned the documentary’s purpose given the sheer horror of its content.
The Guardian’s review noted the film “lays out an appalling but very simple story of extreme child abuse done in the name of God” and called for more introspection into how religious structures may enable such abuse.
Still, it’s the graphic, real-life nature of the case that has made the biggest impact on viewers.
For some, it’s simply too much.
“Half way through it and had to turn it off. I can’t look at either of these vile women without feeling sick,” one viewer posted on Reddit. “Husband too. F*** them all, disgusting pigs.”
Another wrote on X: “#JodiHildebrandt and #RubyFranke should NEVER EVER get out of jail!!!!! EVER #Evilinfluencer.”
Sentenced To Decades Behind Bars
On Feb. 20, 2024, both Hildebrandt and Franke were sentenced to four consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years for aggravated child abuse. Their maximum sentence is 30 years.
A Utah judge also ordered $100,000 from the sale of Hildebrandt’s home to go toward restitution for the children.
Hildebrandt, now 55, is incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility in the Dell unit for the women’s general population - the same building where Franke is serving her sentence. Her first parole hearing is scheduled for December 2026.
Prosecutor Clarke told CBS News, “I hope that Jodi serves more time than [the minimum] and I hope that she isn’t out of prison until everybody is completely confident that she’s no longer a risk.”
Following her conviction, the Utah Division of Professional Licensing permanently revoked Hildebrandt’s counseling license on May 10, 2024.