film & tv3 min(s) read
Shocking theory about two women at the center of Netflix documentary so 'vile' fans are turning it off feeling sick
Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, has sparked a wild online theory about the relationship between the two central figures.
Some viewers are claiming that the women, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke, were in a romantic relationship, and that idea has many fans feeling even more uneasy about the case.
Others are turning off the film partway through because they find the crimes it depicts too upsetting to watch.
The documentary, directed by Skye Borgman, explores the horrific abuse case in Utah that shocked many across the internet and beyond.
It features interviews with members of the Franke family and details the brutal treatment of Franke’s children in Hildebrandt’s home.
Hildebrandt was a licensed counselor and life coach who often worked with LDS [Latter Day Saints] families, and Franke was a popular Mormon influencer with a large YouTube audience.
Viewers have taken to social media to share their reactions and the theory about the women’s relationship, with some saying the documentary leaves unanswered questions about the nature of their involvement.
These posts have helped fuel online debate as opinions about the film’s content remain strong.
Social media reactions fuel the relationship theory
Some people on X have openly suggested there was more than a professional connection between Hildebrandt and Franke.
One user wrote: “jodi hildebrandt and ruby frankie were in a relationship and no one can convince me otherwise. ps: i hope they both rot in hell.”
Another wrote: “watched the jodi hildebrandt documentary on netflix and it still never clarified if ruby and jodi were at all more than platonically involved together.”
These posts illustrate how the shocking nature of the case has led some viewers to read between the lines.
Other reactions focus more on the graphic content of the documentary.
One Reddit commenter said: “Half way through it and had to turn it off. I can’t look at either of these vile women without feeling sick. Husband too. F*** them all, disgusting pigs.” Another X post declared: “#JodiHildebrandt and #RubyFranke should NEVER EVER get out of jail!!!!! EVER #Evilinfluencer.”
These responses show just how intense viewer feelings are.
How the crimes and sentences play into audience outrage
The documentary explains how Franke moved into Hildebrandt’s home in May 2023 after separating from her husband, Kevin Franke.
On August 30, 2023, Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped the home in an emaciated state with open wounds and duct tape on his limbs.
His 10-year-old sister was found malnourished and injured, reportedly kept in a closet.
Inside the house, police found disturbing items including hidden ropes, handcuffs, and a “safe room.”
Prosecutor Eric Clarke said the women used religion to justify the abuse by saying they were “casting the evil spirits.”
Both women were later sentenced on February 20, 2024, to four consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years for aggravated child abuse, with a maximum sentence of 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, and Franke are serving their sentences in the same correctional facility, and Hildebrandt’s 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, Hildebrandt’s counseling license was permanently revoked on May 10, 2024.