Louis Theroux's Inside the Manosphere: A Deep Dive into Online Misogyny

Louis Theroux's latest Netflix documentary, *Inside the Manosphere*, explores the troubling online culture of misogyny and toxic masculinity, focusing on influential figures within the "manosphere." The film features interviews with prominent personalities such as Harrison Sullivan (HS Tikky Tokky), Myron Gaines, Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy (Sneako), Justin Waller, and Ed Matthews, who espouse extreme views on gender roles and relationships. Despite Andrew Tate's notoriety as a leading figure in this space, he does not appear in the documentary, having declined Theroux's invitation for an interview.

Radio Times

The documentary highlights various influencers who promote a regressive view of masculinity. Myron Gaines, host of the *Fresh and Fit* podcast, openly rejects the label of misogyny, claiming, “I love women and I understand them,” while simultaneously asserting his dominance in relationships. Harrison Sullivan, who refers to women in derogatory terms, presents himself as a coach for young men, teaching them to reject societal norms. Justin Waller advocates for "one-sided monogamy," where men can engage in multiple relationships while expecting fidelity from their partners.

The Conversation

Theroux illustrates how these influencers monetize their ideologies through subscription-based academies and coaching schemes, converting male insecurities into profit. The documentary reveals that young boys are often indoctrinated into these beliefs, with alarming scenes showing them parroting misogynistic rhetoric. This business model not only exploits male grievances but also perpetuates a harmful gender hierarchy.

The Conversation

The film acknowledges the broader implications of manosphere ideologies, including their infiltration into schools and the resulting increase in gender-based violence and harassment. Critics argue that Theroux's approach, while insightful, lacks sufficient focus on the voices of women affected by this culture. Some reviews suggest that the documentary could have done more to highlight the real-world consequences of these ideologies, particularly on young audiences.

The Conversation

In interviews, Theroux has described the manosphere influencers as embodying a "medieval mindset," reflecting a troubling regression in gender attitudes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how these figures shape the beliefs of young men, noting that many now form their worldviews through online personalities rather than traditional media.

Daily Record (Scotland)

While Theroux's documentary provides a comprehensive look at the manosphere, some critics argue that it fails to adequately address the impact on women and the societal structures that allow such ideologies to flourish. There is also a noted absence of female perspectives in the film, which some believe diminishes the conversation about misogyny.

The Conversation

• “Misogyny would be the hatred of women. I love women and I understand them.” — Myron Gaines, Influencer

The Irish Times

• “I coach boys how to be f***ing boys,” — Harrison Sullivan, Influencer

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• “We are all increasingly in the manosphere, and it’s up to us how we get out,” — Louis Theroux, Documentarian

The moral sewer of Louis Theroux’s Manosphere

*Inside the Manosphere* serves as a critical examination of the dark corners of online masculinity, revealing the troubling ideologies that permeate this space. While Theroux's documentary sheds light on these issues, it also raises important questions about the responsibility of media in addressing and countering such harmful narratives. The film is available for streaming on Netflix.

Radio Times