When popular family vlogger Ruby Franke crossed paths with therapist and life coach Jodi Hildebrandt through their Utah church community, few could have predicted how devastating that relationship would become. What began as spiritual guidance and “family counseling” slowly transformed into a disturbing system of control — one that ultimately led to criminal convictions, shattered families, and nationwide outrage.
The documentary Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story examines how Hildebrandt’s influence grew unchecked, how Ruby Franke became deeply entangled in her ideology, and how two children narrowly escaped a situation that investigators later described as extreme abuse.
Directed by Skye Borgman, the film reframes a case that was initially centered almost entirely on Ruby Franke, shifting focus to the manipulative figure who, according to the documentary, orchestrated much of the harm from behind the scenes.
A Terrifying Escape That Changed Everything
The documentary opens with surveillance footage that is difficult to forget. A malnourished boy appears at a neighbor’s door, quietly asking for food, water, and help contacting the police. As the neighbor listens, the severity of the situation becomes clear: the child’s wrists and ankles show visible wounds, and his physical condition suggests prolonged neglect and restraint.
Authorities soon discovered that the boy had escaped from Jodi Hildebrandt’s home, where he and his 9-year-old sister were being held. The children were later identified as two of Ruby Franke’s six kids — the same children who had once appeared regularly in Franke’s now-removed family YouTube channel.
The director has stated plainly that if the boy had not escaped when he did, the outcome could have been fatal. That moment, she explains, is the true beginning of the story — not the arrests, not the headlines, but a child choosing survival.
Why Jodi Hildebrandt Became the Central Figure
Although both women were arrested, media coverage initially focused overwhelmingly on Ruby Franke. As the director researched the case, a troubling pattern emerged: the abuse occurred inside Hildebrandt’s home, not Ruby’s.
That detail became the turning point.
The documentary explores how Hildebrandt, founder of the now-defunct life-coaching group ConneXions, positioned herself as an authority figure within religious and family circles. Through a mix of rigid ideology, moral absolutism, and fear-based language, she allegedly exerted extreme psychological control over clients — including Franke.
The film argues that Hildebrandt didn’t simply influence people; she isolated them. Family members were framed as threats. Dissent was labeled as moral failure. Obedience was portrayed as healing.
According to the director, the most disturbing aspect of the case is how visible everything was. Much of the behavior unfolded publicly, disguised as discipline, faith, or self-improvement.
Where Jodi Hildebrandt Is Now
Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced in early 2024 to four consecutive prison terms, each ranging from one to 15 years. She is currently incarcerated at a state correctional facility in Utah, with her first parole hearing scheduled for December 2026.
However, the director says Hildebrandt’s behavior pattern has not disappeared behind bars. Reports indicate that she has continued forming small groups within the prison, targeting women with addiction struggles and positioning herself as a counselor — a familiar dynamic from her life outside.
From the director’s perspective, this consistency reinforces what the documentary uncovers: a calculated methodology rooted in identifying vulnerability, isolating individuals, and redefining reality through language.
The Lasting Impact of ConneXions
Although ConneXions is no longer operating, its effects remain deeply felt. Several former clients appear in the documentary, sharing how Hildebrandt blurred the lines between therapy, faith, and authority.
Many describe how specific words were weaponized — terms like “truth,” “accountability,” and “distortion” were twisted into tools of control. Over time, clients began to doubt their instincts, their families, and even their own identities.
The director notes that those who participated in the film wanted their stories told not for attention, but for prevention. Their message is clear: this kind of manipulation can happen to anyone, especially when trust and belief systems are involved.
Ruby Franke’s Current Status
Ruby Franke also pleaded guilty and received the same sentence as Hildebrandt. She is incarcerated in the same facility but housed separately. Like Hildebrandt, her first parole hearing is scheduled for December 2026.
Audio recordings featured in the documentary suggest that Ruby began distancing herself from Hildebrandt while in prison. Whether that separation is permanent remains unclear, but the director believes it serves both emotional clarity and self-preservation.
Facing the reality of her potential prison term, Ruby appears to be reassessing her choices — though what accountability ultimately looks like remains an open question.
Kevin Franke’s Life After the Conviction
Following the arrests and convictions, Ruby’s former husband Kevin Franke emerged as an advocate for child welfare reform. He has publicly urged lawmakers to close legal gaps that prevent timely intervention in abuse cases.
Kevin finalized his divorce from Ruby in early 2025 and later remarried. His eldest daughter, Shari, publicly expressed support for her father, describing her happiness at seeing him find peace after years of turmoil.
Kevin was granted full custody of the four minor children as part of the divorce proceedings.
Where the Franke Children Are Now
The identities of the two children who escaped Hildebrandt’s home — along with two other minor siblings — remain protected. Their privacy has been carefully preserved throughout legal proceedings.
Shari, now an adult, released a memoir detailing her experiences growing up in the Franke household and her journey toward independence. Chad, also an adult, has built a life of his own, including marriage and a professional career.
The four younger children, who were previously in protective custody, now live with their father. According to the director, the family is focused on rebuilding and finding stability.
“When Ruby is eventually released,” she notes, “it will raise difficult questions about relationships, accountability, and boundaries.”
A Cautionary Story About Power and Influence
At its core, Evil Influencer isn’t just about one family or one counselor. It’s a warning about how influence — especially when combined with faith, authority, and digital platforms — can become dangerous.
The documentary asks viewers to look beyond headlines and consider how abuse can hide behind good intentions, inspirational language, and public visibility.