Model Cult Review: A Wildly Juicy TV Show About a Guru Possessed by an Alien

and when his fever subsided he announced that his body had become the vessel for a being from the red giant star, Arcturus.

With an extraterrestrial glint in his already piercing eyes, Von Mierers began presenting a public-access television show where he spread the word about the benefits of a healthy diet, the power of controlled emotions, and the importance of recognizing that material possessions were not a route to happiness, all wisdom direct from the cosmos. Members of his inner circle would sometimes wake up to find mint-scented face masks applied to them during the night. Less adorably, Von Mierers fostered a culture of fear, where anyone who stepped out of line faced harsh criticism in “slamming sessions”.

What’s never a mystery with cults is the leader’s motivation, which is typically sex and/or money. For Von Mierers, it was both. Former male model John Hoyt, now known as Hoyt Richards, was one of the highest-paid models of the late 1980s and 90s. He recalls handing all his spare money to Frederick in exchange for what may have been costume jewelry billed as ethereally powerful “gemstones”. Members were also required to participate in sexual practices, although this aspect is barely explored in the series.

Despite the messy storytelling, Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult touches on the vulnerability of young adults facing loss or feeling lost, which Von Mierers may have exploited by targeting models who were likely insecure. The series ends with Hoyt deeply regretting his involvement with Von Mierers and now works to help others understand they are in a cult.

While the documentary fails to fully explain why people join cults, it sheds light on the captivating yet mysterious world of Frederick von Mierers and his cult, Eternal Values. Often juicy and full of intrigue, the series is now streaming on HBO Max for those interested in exploring the darker side of charisma and manipulation.