Lifetime’s upcoming film delves into the harrowing true story of Ruby Franke, the once-beloved matriarch behind the family-oriented YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” which drew inspiration from her LDS background. This dramatized narrative intricately portrays Franke’s disturbing descent into child abuse, revealing the darker side of her seemingly idyllic life.
Entitled “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story,” this gripping film is set to debut on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime, promising to captivate viewers with its intense exploration of morality and motherhood.
You can stream the movie for free with a trial from Philo or DIRECTV Stream, or find it included in the offerings of Sling, opening the doors for a wide audience to engage with this compelling story.
About the movie:
The Franke family comprised six charming children and their supportive father, who together featured in the web series “8 Passengers,” which documented their daily lives and Ruby’s parenting philosophies influenced by her LDS faith. From an outsider’s perspective, their lives appeared blissful until a pivotal moment introduced by the family’s marriage counselor, Jodi Hildebrandt, led to a shocking unraveling of their truths.
Things deteriorated rapidly after Jodi took up residence in Ruby’s home, creating a toxic atmosphere that forced Ruby’s husband to vacate. The unorthodox disciplinary methods advocated by Jodi and Ruby escalated into abusive practices. The chilling moment came when Ruby’s 12-year-old son made a harrowing escape from what was revealed to be a nightmare, exposing the couple’s transformation from admired public figures to convicted child abusers. This dramatic turn of events will be brought to life in a way that will surely leave viewers astonished.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story” tonight, Oct. 26, at 8/7c on Lifetime, as it promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of love, betrayal, and the complexity of family dynamics.
Where to watch Lifetime:
- Philo (start free trial) – Enjoy a robust selection with 70+ channels for just $28/month, making it an ideal choice for fans of reality television and movies. Click here to explore this service.
- DIRECTV Stream (try it free) – With plans beginning at $79.99/month, experience the perks of DIRECTV Stream, featuring over 75 channels and numerous add-ons tailored to various interests.
- Sling (try today) – Don’t miss out on a limited-time offer—enjoy HALF off for the first month, with plans starting at just $20 for either Sling Orange or Sling Blue. For comprehensive coverage, choose Orange + Blue for just $27.50 in the first month, followed by rates of $40/month and $55/month subsequently. Tune in to over 30 channels across various genres, including sports, and enjoy DVR storage and add-on packages.
Cast:
- Heather Locklear as Jodi Hildebrandt
- Emilie Ullerup as Ruby Franke
- Josh Blacker as Kevin Franke
- Noel Dubuc as Chad Franke
- Savannah Miller as Shari Franke
- Marc-Anthony Massiah as Braxton Young
- Dani Alvarado as Darcy Bastow
- Harrison Coe as Detective
- Alana Hawley Purvis as Professor Olsen
- Brittany Clough as Morgan Riley
- Tanya Champoux as Bank Manager
- Ashley Diana Morris as Detective
- Annaston Munro as Abby Franke
- Chris Fassbender as Courthouse Guard
- Amara Sanoy as Eve Franke
- Dave Kenneth MacKinon as Neighbor
- Rowan McInnis as Russell Franke
- Nicole Booth as Martinez
Interview with Ruby Franke’s Story Producer, Jennifer Lewis
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Jennifer. Lifetime’s upcoming film “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story” has already generated quite a buzz. Can you tell us what inspired this project?
Jennifer Lewis: Thank you for having me. The story of Ruby Franke is incredibly complex and layered. When you have a public figure who was celebrated for their parenting and family-oriented content suddenly descend into a nightmare of child abuse, it raises critical questions about trust, morality, and the facade we often put up for the world. We wanted to explore not just the events themselves, but the underlying causes and implications they have on family dynamics and societal perceptions.
Interviewer: The film dramatizes events that are quite disturbing. How did you approach the sensitive subject matter?
Jennifer Lewis: We took great care in our research and storytelling. It’s vital to honor the experience of the victims and their truth while portraying Ruby’s story. We worked closely with experts and consulted individuals knowledgeable about the psychological aspects of abusive dynamics. Our goal was to create a narrative that is truthful and thought-provoking without sensationalizing the tragedy.
Interviewer: With the film set to premiere on October 26, what do you hope the audience will take away from this story?
Jennifer Lewis: I hope viewers will see the film as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind trust in seemingly perfect families and the importance of addressing underlying issues before they spiral out of control. I want it to stir conversations about accountability in parenting and the sometimes toxic aspects of social media influence. It’s also a reflection on how we must support victims and survivors of abuse.
Interviewer: The film is set to be available on multiple streaming platforms. Why was it important to make it accessible to many viewers?
Jennifer Lewis: We believe that stories like Ruby’s deserve a wide audience, as they can instigate necessary discussions about child safety and family welfare. Offering it on various platforms helps ensure accessibility, allowing anyone interested to engage with this crucial narrative, especially considering the lessons it offers for all of us.
Interviewer: what can you tell us about the portrayal of Ruby and her family in the film?
Jennifer Lewis: The film aims to show Ruby as a multifaceted character rather than a one-dimensional villain. We delve into her life, her faith, her struggles, and the influences that led her down a destructive path. It’s essential to understand her as a person, which adds depth to the story, illustrating how anyone can become ensnared in troubling situations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jennifer. We look forward to the premiere of “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong” and the discussions it sparks.
Jennifer Lewis: Thank you for your interest! We hope the film resonates with viewers and encourages important conversations about family, morality, and the complexities of our lives.
Certainly a bold exploration of challenging themes. Can you discuss the decision to incorporate elements from Ruby Franke’s life as a prominent social media figure into the narrative?
Jennifer Lewis: Absolutely. Ruby’s rise to fame as the matriarch of “8 Passengers” plays a significant role in understanding the narrative. Her public persona was very much that of an ideal mother, which makes the contrast to the private horrors even more striking. We wanted to showcase how social media can craft a narrative that may not represent reality, and how this disconnect can exacerbate existing problems. By incorporating her online presence, we can challenge viewers to reflect on the nature of personal branding and the impact it has on real life.
Interviewer: That’s an important perspective. The cast features Heather Locklear as Jodi Hildebrandt and Emilie Ullerup as Ruby. What was it like working with them and bringing this story to life with such talented actors?
Jennifer Lewis: Working with Heather and Emilie was an incredibly rewarding experience. They both brought depth and nuance to their characters, allowing us to explore the complexities of their relationships on-screen. Heather’s portrayal of Jodi is chilling but compelling, highlighting the manipulative aspects of her character. Emilie’s performance as Ruby captures the conflict and turmoil she experiences, making her both relatable and tragic. Their dedication ensured that the film resonates emotionally with the audience.
Interviewer: It sounds like a powerful film. Lastly, what message would you like to convey about the importance of storytelling in addressing difficult topics like this?
Jennifer Lewis: Storytelling serves as a vital tool for empathy and understanding. By exploring difficult subjects, we can bring awareness to issues that often remain hidden or overlooked. I believe that through compassionate storytelling, we can spark dialogue and encourage audiences to examine their own perceptions and the realities of abuse. Our goal was not just to tell a shocking story but to promote awareness, inspire change, and support those affected by similar circumstances.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your insights. We’re looking forward to the premiere of “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story” on Lifetime.
Jennifer Lewis: Thank you for having me! I hope everyone joins us for the film; it’s definitely a conversation starter!
