BBC Four turns its lens on the unsettling true story of the Order of the Solar Temple, a cult whose mysterious demise continues to baffle. This four-part documentary, premiering Tuesday, December 3 at 10 PM, promises a chilling examination of the events surrounding the discovery of 48 bodies in Switzerland and Canada in 1994.
The first installment, “Massacre or Suicide,” kicks off at 10 PM, plunging into the initial shock and confusion surrounding the grim discovery. Were these deaths the result of a mass suicide pact, or something far more sinister? The program lays out the initial evidence, introducing viewers to the scale of the tragedy and the immediate questions facing investigators, particularly the presence of children among the victims.
“The Origins,” airing at 10:40 PM, examines the history of the Order of the Solar Temple, its founders Dr. Luc Jouret and Jo Di Mambro, and the peculiar beliefs that fueled the group’s rise. From esoteric rituals to alleged financial fraud, the second episode attempts to untangle the complicated web of factors that contributed to the cult’s fatal trajectory, including its purported 600 followers. The episode also considers the possibility that some members, deemed threats to the cult’s inner circle, met with foul play. International arrest warrants were issued for Jouret and Di Mambro, adding another twist to the already convoluted narrative.
Throughout both episodes, the testimony of former cult members adds a human dimension to the horrific events. Their accounts provide a glimpse into the manipulation and psychological control exerted by the cult leaders, offering context for the devastating consequences.
Sirius: An Apocalyptic Order Premieres Tuesday December 3, 2024 at 10 PM on BBC Four.
