Inside the Shocking Truth: Son of Infamous Cult Leader Reveals All in Groundbreaking Fourth Wall Docuseries

Screen Rant presents an exclusive clip from The Fourth Wall, a character-driven documentary series that debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. The series follows Keith Newton, who was born into the Sullivanian cult led by his father, Sal Newton. Operating in the 1970s and '80s, the Sullivanians were a “psychotherapy sex cult” in Manhattan's Upper West Side, rejecting the traditional nuclear family model. They even had an experimental theater troupe called the Fourth Wall.

Similar to other cult documentaries, The Fourth Wall delves into the reasons behind the organization's appeal. Audiences will discover Newton's distortion of psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan's teachings, as well as the attraction of affordable housing options in New York City. Additionally, viewers will learn about the long-lasting impact on the members. The docuseries chronicles the rise and fall of the Sullivanians, concluding in 1991, and further explores the healing journey of former members, starting with Keith. However, in order to comprehend the Sullivanians' myth, it is crucial to understand the man who brought them together - a goal accomplished in the following clip.

More About The Fourth Wall

Screen Rant's exclusive clip of The Fourth Wall delves into Sal Newton's aspirations and formidable abilities, showcasing his initial desire to become a therapist and his knack for exerting control over the group. Members of The Fourth Wall share their experiences of being both frightened and awestruck in his presence, describing his volatile temper and enigmatic demeanor. These vivid accounts elucidate the source of his power over others, simultaneously unsettling and perplexing.

With the rise of cult-related media, from the fictional Hulu series The Clearing to the HBO docuseries The Vow centered around NXIVM, public intrigue in cults has reached new heights. While The Fourth Wall undoubtedly explores the allure of the dark side, it also examines the subject matter from the perspective of someone directly impacted by these events. Viewers gain insight into Keith Newton, one of the series creators, and his journey of overcoming a challenging childhood with the skillful storytelling of fellow creator filmmaker Luke Meyer (known for Darkon and Breaking A Monster).

The Fourth Wall is a SeeThink Films & Submarine Deluxe production that premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in June and is currently looking for distribution.