“Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown” takes a deep dive into one of the largest mass deaths in American history. Told by survivors and eyewitnesses, along with rare footage and Jim Jones recordings, this powerful series gives an immersive look into the final harrowing hours leading up to one of America’s darkest chapters. Available for viewing now on Disney+ and Hulu.
National Geographic’s Emmy Award-winning, critically acclaimed franchise “One Day In America” returns with its third installment, “Cult Massacre: One Day In Jonestown.” The three-part series from Emmy Award-winning 72 Films’ David Glover, BAFTA Award-winning director Marian Mohamed, along with Academy Award-winning filmmakers Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, tells the story of an idealistic religious organization led by the infamous Jim Jones, who set out to establish a utopian community in Guyana. What began as a peaceful movement seeking social justice ultimately spiraled into a mass casualty event that left 918 dead.
The Journey into Jonestown
The documentary begins with an introduction to the People’s Temple and its charismatic leader, Jim Jones, through the eyes of ex-members and his son, Stephan Jones. They speak about how the culture around them at the time was one of great tension and divide. These were people who longed for a better society. A society that would treat them all equally and provide a better future for them and their children. Jim Jones said he could deliver. He enhanced and preyed upon their fears, convincing them that they would only be safe and happy if they joined him in a new society. They needed to be completely cut off from the rest of the world. Many of the ex-members even described what they had been trying to do as “amazing”. It gave them all so much hope.
In 1977, Jim Jones and 900+ of his followers left California. They settled in a very remote part of Guyana, a country located in South America known for its vast and dense rainforests. But it did not take long for this utopia to turn into a nightmare. Rumors of abuse made it all the way back to California to Congressman Leo Ryan. Disturbed and shocked by these accusations, Ryan decided it was his responsibility to save these people if they were in danger. His aide, Jackie Speier, went with him along with several reporters and journalists. All who still remain spoke on what they experienced in Jonestown, coupled with the footage of their visit. Speier notes just how remote Jonestown really was and how difficult it was just to get there. And, how dangerous it was to get away.
Unwelcome in Jonestown
Their small crew arrived November 17, 1978. It was clear to them that something was not right at Jonestown and that they were most unwelcome. The suspicions and fears they expressed for these people were confirmed when some members started to slip the group notes expressing their wish to flee Jonestown. It was after reporter Don Harris confronted Jim Jones about these notes that the even bigger horrors began.
The rest of the series covers the tragic events that unfolded on November 18, 1978, through never-before-seen footage and interviews with those who were there to witness the events. Docu-series viewers will see the footage reporters had from Port Kaituma as the gunmen from Jonestown arrived, killing Congressman Ryan and 4 others, leaving several others severely wounded. They will hear real audio recordings of Jim Jones as he gave his final speech urging his followers to drink the poison and “die with dignity.” The series includes the heartbreaking testimony from Tim Carter, a survivor who was there as the massacre began and escaped into the jungle. Perhaps the most graphic piece included is the footage from reporter, Jim Krause, and account from U.S. Special Forces, David Netterville. These two came upon the horrific scene that was left at Jonestown, witnessing the aftermath of the massacre that took place.
Three Deep Dive Episodes
Episode One: The Promised Land
In the tumultuous 1970s America, Jim Jones is a charismatic church leader, preaching social justice to his growing, diverse congregation. To escape the inequities of the U.S., he sets up Jonestown. This utopian commune is in the Guyanese jungle, but shocking rumors of abuse make their way to California’s Rep. Leo Ryan and reporters. Within 24 hours of visiting, they discover their presence is unwelcome.
Episode Two: How Very Much I’ve Loved You
Tensions in Jonestown are at an all-time high after a knife-wielding cult member attacks Rep. Ryan. Fearing more violence, the congressman and his group hurry out of Jonestown as quickly as possible. Some cult members come forward to leave with the visitors, desperate for safe passage out of the remote commune. As the group attempts to leave, Jim Jones has other sinister plans.
Episode Three: Paradise Lost
Shocking news of the mass murder-suicide in Jonestown reaches the U.S. The White House dispatches the Special Forces to stop the unfolding crisis and locate Jim Jones. Upon arrival, a scene of unimaginable horror confronts them. But, hundreds of Jonestown residents are missing, prompting a desperate search for survivors who may have fled into the jungle.
The Truth Behind Jonestown
“My father created fear. He got lost in power and drugs. For dad, you lose that power, he’d lose everything. The temple didn’t exist beyond him. The world didn’t exist beyond him. And that played out on that final night,” states Stephan Jones.
While certain production and timing elements of this documentary fall short, those critiques are barely worth mention. The value of having each piece of footage from this heinous event and the testimonials of those involved, all in one place, is invaluable. Even now I find it difficult to truly capture into words and describe the emotions that are evoked while watching this documentary. “Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown,” shows the truth of how, in one day, 153 men, 452 women, 302 children and two unidentified people lost their lives.
Drinking the Kool-Aid, a new meaning
I have grown up hearing people use the phrase “drinking the Kool-Aid” as a negative expression to describe someone who accepts an idea or preference based on peer pressure. The use and popularity of that phrase goes to show how misinformed the public is on this tragedy. In a way, that feels like an injustice to the victims.
“It so dehumanizes the people that died there and it’s so off the mark. That night… was murder,” says Stephan Jones. I think that’s why the creation and consumption of this series is so important. For those 909 people, their truth is now in the hands of anyone who is willing to listen. And for those of you who think you know the story of Jonestown, as I did, or those who have never even heard of it until now. It is worth the watch.
If you enjoy these deep-dives into American history, you can checkout a previous entry in the series, “JFK: One Day In America.” Featuring the final moments of John F. Kennedy’s life, this in-depth docu-series provides brand-new footage and insight into that harrowing day.
