Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe
| Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe | |
|---|---|
 Release poster | |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Directed by | Marina Zenovich |
| Music by | Ariel Marx |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producer | Hattie Bridges Webb |
| Cinematography |
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| Editors |
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| Running time | 40–50 minutes |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
| Release | October 6, 2023 |
Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe is a 2023 American true crime documentary series directed and produced by Marina Zenovich. It explores the world of Twin Flames Universe, a cult run by Jeff and Shaleia Divine.
It premiered on October 6, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video.
Premise
[edit]Based on reporting by Alice Hines for Vanity Fair, the series explores the world of Twin Flames Universe, a cult run by Jeff and Shaleia Divine. Promising to match members with their perfect partners, former members describe extreme lengths they have taken in order to match with their partner.[1][2][3]
Episodes
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Original air date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Welcome to the Party" | Marina Zenovich | October 6, 2023 |
| 2 | "Matchmakers" | Marina Zenovich | October 6, 2023 |
| 3 | "Two Halves of The Same Soul" | Marina Zenovich | October 6, 2023 |
Production
[edit]The series went through extensive research and fact checking to prevent potential legal action.[4] Producers reached out to Jeff and Shaleia Divine but the couple declined to participate.[5]
In June 2022, it was announced Amazon Prime Video had greenlit an untitled documentary series revolving around the Twin Flames Universe, based upon reporting for Vanity Fair by Alice Hines.[6] In August 2023, it was announced the series had been titled Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe.[7]
Reception
[edit]The Rolling Stone compared Twin Flames Universe portrayal in Desperately Seeking Soulmates to other portrayals of prosperity gospel, such as HBO's Righteous Gemstones.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Hines, Alice (December 3, 2020). ""Everywhere I Went, They Went With Me, Because They Were on My Phone": Inside the Always Online, All-Consuming World of Twin Flames Universe". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Ford, Rebecca (September 26, 2023). "Twin Flames Docuseries Dives Deeper Into Couple Behind Matchmaking Cult". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe". Amazon MGM Studios. Archived from the original on October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (October 6, 2023). "Marina Zenovich Talks Twin Flames Universe and the Possibility of Taking Down the Alleged Love Cult". Variety. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
- ^ Zoronosa, Laura (October 6, 2023). "The Story Behind the Docuseries Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe". Time. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
- ^ Aurthur, Kate (June 13, 2022). "Amazon Orders Untitled Twin Flames Universe Docuseries (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Franklin, McKinley (August 31, 2023). "Twin Flames Universe Docuseries Premiere Date, Title Unveiled by Amazon (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Archived from the original on October 6, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Vognar, Chris (October 6, 2023). "The Twin Flames Dating 'Cult' Targeting the Lonely (and Ryan Gosling)". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
Parts of Desperately Seeking Soulmate are shot as if through a crystal, the prism of color suggesting an attractive distortion field or parallel universe where the Twin Flames pitch makes sense. In a way, it does. Prosperity gospel now has its very own sharp-fanged comedy series, HBO's The Righteous Gemstones, and it has been around as long as money and religion. As Jeff shows off his shiny Porsche and Corvette, we learn that he once announced that he could cure cancer with his mind (for a fee, of course). That scam didn't stick. But this one has. If you want to get rich today, manufacture a cure for loneliness.