Buzz
At Mytour, we’re huge fans of Vice documentaries. Shane Smith and his team of skilled journalists have a knack for creating captivating and eye-opening content. While these films often introduce us to fascinating and unfamiliar worlds, they can also leave us feeling deeply unsettled.
Consider these 10 documentaries, for example. They explore a wide range of topics, from exorcisms to traditional Chinese festivals. Some may tug at your emotions, while others are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. No matter the subject, each of these films has the power to leave you feeling just a bit uneasy.
10. Reborn Babies
Meet Anasha. At 54, she’s married to a musician and has four young children, with another on the way—or so it seems. Technically, Anasha is the one heading out to collect her new baby from the store. Her children aren’t real; they’re hyper-realistic dolls, complete with dimples, hair, and anatomically accurate features. These dolls are so lifelike that they’re downright chilling.
Positioned right in the heart of the uncanny valley, Reborn Babies showcases some of the eeriest dolls you’ll ever see, rivaling even the likes of Child’s Play. In fact, Coco-Malu might just be more terrifying than Chucky, Annabelle, and Talky Tina put together. She’s the star of a line of dolls crafted specifically for adults. These “Reborn Babies” are meticulously designed to mimic real infants, often custom-made to replace a child who has passed away or grown up.
These dolls are equipped with voice modules that allow them to gurgle and cry. You can even spritz them with baby-scented perfume, and if you press hard enough, you’ll feel a simulated heartbeat. Surprisingly, “Reborn Babies” have a global following, but they’re not just collectibles for display. Owners treat these dolls as if they were alive, caring for them like real children.
Anasha lovingly carries her dolls to the kitchen, tucks them into a specially designed crib, and maintains a wardrobe full of adorable outfits for her “children.” For Anasha, these dolls serve as a coping mechanism. During the interview, she reveals that she battled a metabolic disease that left her nearly incapacitated for three years. Overwhelmed and exhausted, she turned to a “Reborn Baby” to help her cope. Additionally, Anasha is unable to conceive and hints at enduring some unresolved childhood trauma.
Buyers of these dolls often grapple with a mix of physical and emotional challenges. But is this practice harmless, or is it simply bizarre? Some might argue that these mothers are living in a fantasy, refusing to grow up. On the other hand, if these unsettling dolls bring Anasha happiness and help her navigate life, does it really matter? As her husband notes toward the end of the film, she’d rather be happy than conform to what’s considered normal.
9. Teenage Exorcists
Picture this: three stunning girls with flawless hair and makeup, each clutching a jeweled crucifix, ready to take on the forces of darkness. It sounds like the premise of a supernatural teen novel, but it’s not. The woman writhing on the floor, screaming as if possessed by Pazuzu, isn’t acting. This is a real exorcism, performed by Brynne Larson and the Scherkenback sisters.
Frequently likened to the characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Teenage Exorcists are protégés of Bob Larson, a self-styled televangelist who focuses on spiritual battles. He even founded his own international school of exorcism, if you’re curious. Larson, who is Brynne’s father, claims that half the world is under demonic influence. Falling onto the devil’s radar is surprisingly easy—reading Harry Potter, struggling with drug addiction, or experiencing childhood trauma could make you the next Regan McNeil. Even sleeping with a prostitute might leave you with more than an STD; you could end up with a sexually transmitted demon.
You might think we’re joking, but we’re not. These are actual statements from the interviewees.
Though the teenage trio is based in Arizona, the documentary tracks their journey through Ukraine, where countless desperate individuals seek their help. Like skilled con artists, Larson and his team exploit the vulnerable. After the pastor riles up the crowd, he invites people on stage, psychologically dismantling them until their “demons” emerge. Then, the girls step in, armed with crosses and Bibles, to drive out the evil spirits.
Clearly, those who attend these exorcisms are caught in a dubious scheme. However, they aren’t the only ones suffering. The Teenage Exorcists themselves are just as much victims as the individuals they pray over. These girls have spent their entire lives under the influence of a manipulative con artist. Throughout the documentary, the teens appear genuinely sincere yet utterly brainwashed. As the film unfolds, it becomes evident that the true villain isn’t Satan—it’s Bob Larson, a controlling manipulator who desperately needs to be reined in.
8. The Man Who Eats Roadkill
The team at Vice has a clear passion for food, boasting an entire website and YouTube channel dedicated to culinary adventures. However, they also have a peculiar fascination with documenting bizarre and grotesque eating habits. Consider Shoenice22 Will Eat Anything for Fame, a short film about a YouTuber who consumes everything from toilet paper to tampons. It’s both stomach-churning and oddly tragic.
The Man Who Eats Roadkill, however, offers a darker glimpse into the strange world of unconventional food enthusiasts. The protagonist, Arthur Boyt, initially comes across as a typical English eccentric, the kind you’d expect to see in a quirky BBC show. But when he puts on rubber gloves and starts skinning a badger with a scalpel, the tone shifts dramatically, making it feel like you’ve stumbled into an episode of Hannibal.
To be clear, Arthur Boyt isn’t a killer—he doesn’t harm animals or humans. He believes killing animals for food is wasteful and prefers to scavenge roadkill for his meals. If you can name an animal native to Great Britain, chances are he’s already eaten it. From bats to barn owls, Boyt has cooked it all. His freezer is a menagerie of preserved creatures, including lizards, cats, and even a buzzard.
While Boyt has sampled nearly every creature imaginable, he holds a particular fondness for badger. In fact, Arthur is something of a badger aficionado. Much like how some people specialize in wine or cheese, Boyt delights in discussing the nuances of badger meat, from the taste of their penises to the varied textures found in a badger’s head. Like a charismatic TV chef with a unique cooking show, he shares that a badger casserole requires precisely hours to achieve perfection. And honestly, it looks quite appetizing—until he starts gnawing on the skull.
7. Getting High Injecting Snake Venom
Observing Steve Ludwin feels like watching Timothy Treadwell reborn. Both men share an intense passion for dangerous animals, radiating enthusiasm and an almost unsettling innocence. Much like Treadwell, Ludwin’s reckless behavior could lead to his demise if he’s not careful. While he isn’t mingling with bears in Alaska, Ludwin takes equally perilous risks in the confines of his London apartment.
For over two decades, Ludwin has been injecting himself with snake venom.
An American expat with a deep love for reptiles, Ludwin boasts an impressive collection of deadly creatures. His home is filled with rattlesnakes, cobras, and various vipers, all of which he milks himself. Sometimes, he dilutes the venom with water, but he’s no stranger to injecting it straight. If you’re curious about the sensation, Ludwin compares it to dousing a wound with Tabasco sauce.
Inspired by the legendary herpetologist Bill Haast (whose immunity to venom was so potent that his blood saved 21 snakebite victims), Ludwin is convinced that his venom injections grant him extraordinary energy and stamina. After injecting himself, he’s seen weaving recklessly through traffic and later pounding a heavy bag, claiming the venom numbs his pain. He even speculates that scientists could one day harness venom as a Captain America-style super-soldier serum.
While it’s true that researchers are exploring the medicinal potential of snake venom, Ludwin’s optimism about his self-immunization might be misplaced. Although his ultimate goal is to collaborate with an innovative company to change public perceptions of snakes, he frequently admits he has no real understanding of how the venom affects his body. He even fears it could eventually lead to kidney failure. When asked if he could quit, Ludwin responds that he’d like to stop someday—a statement that echoes the words of an addict.
While Ludwin is far from a conventional animal enthusiast, the vitriol he receives in YouTube comments is excessive. To see how he handles the backlash, take a look at his response video.
6. Underground Bare Knuckle Boxing In The UK
Dubbed a “quintessentially British blood sport,” bare-knuckle boxing rejects gloves, wraps, and the Marquis of Queensbury rules. This is a raw, unfiltered contest where fighters pummel each other with bare fists. The sound of bone striking bone is unmistakable, and the sight of blood and sweat flying through the air is common. It’s a savage spectacle, leaving participants with swollen eyes, split lips, and hands reduced to bruised, mangled lumps.
However, Underground Bare Knuckle Boxing in the UK is far more than a spectacle. It offers a heartfelt exploration of the key figures in the bare-knuckle boxing world. Among them is Andy Topliffe of B-Bad Promotions, often likened to the Dana White of this gritty sport. Topliffe is on a mission to polish the sport’s image and bring it into the mainstream.
Then there’s James “Mr. Happy” Lambert, whose nickname belies the darker realities he reveals about the sport. Now working as a life coach, Lambert shares that bare-knuckle boxing often draws in troubled young men seeking to channel their anger and inner turmoil through brutal fights. Lambert speaks from experience, having once been one of those men before he turned his life around. He’s even stopped punching heavy bags, fearing it might reawaken his violent tendencies.
The most captivating figure, however, is James “Gypsy Boy” McCrory, a real-life counterpart to Mickey O’Neil. This Irish fighter, known for his kind heart, steps into the ring to defend the UK’s pride against a formidable American opponent. Boxing is deeply woven into McCrory’s life, and it’s impossible not to cheer for him as he faces off against Jason “The Machine Gun” Young.
Despite his outgoing personality, one question leaves McCrory momentarily speechless. When reporter Clive Martin asks if he’s concerned about the long-term effects of repeated blows to his head, McCrory pauses. He then confesses that he’s already lost much of his memory. It’s a sobering moment, more jarring than witnessing a knockout in the ring.
5. From Psycho Killer To Painter
Luis Orlando Cuevas Manchego was once a feared killer, known for hijacking buses with machine guns and dynamite. When he grew tired of his abusive brother, he ended their relationship with a brutal axe attack. But those days are behind him. Now, instead of taking lives on the streets, he immortalizes death on canvas.
A towering figure covered in tattoos and scars, Manchego radiates an intensity that makes Mike Tyson seem tame in comparison. Known in Lima, Peru, as “LU.CU.MA,” he credits his transformation to God and his passion for art. Through his paintings, he hopes to inspire others to leave their criminal pasts behind. “Art is powerful,” he says, “and through it, I connect with people who want to hear how a former outlaw can change.”
His artwork is not only striking but also deeply unique. A visit to his studio reveals themes shaped by his criminal history and Catholic beliefs. His murals feature haunting imagery, from hydras with Hitler’s head to fiery angels and politicians being consumed by serpents.
One of Manchego’s most notable pieces depicts him stabbing former president Alan Garcia. Knives are a recurring motif in his work, and he even carries a large blade for protection, recalling an incident where he claims to have fended off a would-be rapist. Despite his artistic transformation, Manchego still seems to revel in his violent past.
While Manchego’s paintings are undeniably unsettling, they may serve as a constructive outlet for his destructive impulses. Art appears to have tempered his violent tendencies, earning him respect among fellow artists. His painting of Alan Garcia is displayed at Lima’s National School of Fine Arts, so if you’re in Peru, take a look—but be cautious with your words if LU.CU.MA is nearby.
4. Child Bullfighters In Mexico
Michelito Lagravere is a record-breaking figure. Hailed as a hero in Yucatan, this Mexican teenager made history by facing his first bull at just six years old, becoming the youngest matador ever. While his early matches involved little more than waving a cape at an enraged calf, by the time he turned 11, the bulls grew larger, and the fights became far more brutal.
When Vice visited Mexico, Michelito was 16, still underage and still killing bulls. He estimates he’s battled thousands of animals, likely ending the lives of half of them. His brother, Andre, has also embraced the matador lifestyle, donning pink stockings and aspiring to make a name for himself as a teenage bullfighter. The brothers train rigorously, running through stadiums, stretching, and perfecting their techniques like athletes preparing for a big game.
For Michelito, bullfighting is more than a sport—it’s a way of life and a cornerstone of Mexican tradition. Supporters argue that the practice isn’t solely about violence; it’s a ritualistic act of courage, where one individual confronts danger on behalf of their community. It’s a tribute to honor and bravery. When viewed abstractly, it can even seem noble and graceful. Watching Michelito and Andre practice in the arena is akin to observing ballet dancers rehearse for a performance—until the moment a bull is stabbed with a sword, shattering the illusion of elegance.
Despite criticism from animal rights activists, bullfighting advocates view the sport as an integral part of their cultural heritage. Many adults believe that involving children and teenagers in the tradition is essential for its preservation. By exposing kids to bullfighting—or encouraging them to participate—they aim to safeguard their way of life for future generations.
This raises an intriguing question: Just because something is part of your cultural heritage, does that mean it should be preserved? Or should society evolve and abandon its more violent traditions? Perhaps some customs are better left in the past, and maybe Michelito and Andre should consider trading their capes for hockey sticks.
3. The Real ‘True Detective?’
In early 2014, Nic Pizzolatto’s crime series True Detective captivated audiences worldwide, earning acclaim from both critics and viewers. The first season revolved around two detectives pursuing a serial killer across Louisiana for 17 years. Naturally, people wondered about Pizzolatto’s inspirations, which ranged from Robert W. Chambers to Eugene Thacker.
Pizzolatto also hinted at influences like “Satanism, preschool, and Louisiana.” Intrigued, Vice reporter Gianni Toboni investigated and found herself in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, uncovering what she described as “the strangest case any small-town sheriff’s deputy could ever imagine.”
At first glance, Ponchatoula appears to be a typical Southern town, with friendly, easygoing residents. But beneath its charming exterior lies a darker side, involving Satanic rituals, animal sacrifices, and child exploitation. The focal point of this darkness is the Hosanna Church. While it once hosted regular Sunday services, everything changed when a new pastor, Louis Lamonica Jr., arrived. There was something unsettling about him from the start.
Alarmed and disturbed, the regular churchgoers left, leaving behind a small group of extremists who carried out some of the most shocking crimes ever documented by Vice. Beyond detailing horrifying acts—including bloody baptisms, pentagrams, and blacklight-revealed Scriptures—the documentary also highlights the efforts of three men who investigated and prosecuted the leaders of Hosanna Church.
The film particularly focuses on Captain Stuart Murphy, a local detective whose clever interrogation tactics led Hosanna’s youth pastor, Austin Bernard, to confess the atrocities committed in the church’s youth room. Much like Matthew McConaughey’s character in True Detective, the case left Murphy with a jaded perspective. Today, he’s fiercely protective of his children and has unique insights into solving crimes.
“What I dislike about being a detective,” Murphy explains, “is that you never feel a sense of accomplishment because there’s always more to do tomorrow.” In essence, time is a flat circle.
2. Bolivia’s Child Laborers
In Bolivia, the idea of childhood is virtually nonexistent. Nearly a million children and teenagers toil on the streets or in silver mines, with half of them under the age of 14.
Although child labor is officially illegal, Bolivian children have formed their own union, a surprisingly influential political force. As we’ve read before, when the government attempted to ban child labor, the Union of Child and Adolescence Workers organized protests to oppose the move.
Why are these children so determined to work? It’s not about desire—it’s about necessity.
“It would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?” reflects a former child laborer. “To live in a Disney-like world full of fun and happiness, but that’s not reality.” Instead of enjoying sports or video games, Bolivian kids work as bus conductors or balloon vendors. Many are exploited by dishonest adults, and countless others sacrifice their education to help feed their families. This creates a vicious cycle where illiterate adults struggle to find decent jobs, forcing their children to step in and work.
The most harrowing scene unfolds in a silver mine, where a young teenager is seen crawling through a crumbling, ancient tunnel. The walls are supported by shaky wooden beams, and as he hammers away at the silver, dust and rocks rain down from above.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment follows a brother and sister working in a cemetery, polishing tombstones and arranging flowers. Despite being only 13, the boy speaks with a weariness beyond his years, especially when he shares that his older brother took his own life. He then recounts the fates of his fellow workers.
“There used to be more kids working here in the cemetery,” he explains with sadness. “Many have stopped because of drugs and alcohol.”
1. Dining On Dogs In Yulin
Animal lovers, beware—if you found the previous video distressing, you might want to avoid this one entirely. The documentary opens with the shocking sight of someone using a blowtorch to roast a dead dog. It only becomes more unsettling from there, so proceed with caution if you decide to watch.
Reporter Izzy Yeung travels to Yulin, a Chinese town preparing for its annual Dog Meat Festival. Yes, it’s a celebration centered around eating man’s best friend. While most of us see dogs as beloved pets, the people of Yulin consider certain dogs a culinary delicacy. More than any other film on this list, Dining on Dogs raises the challenging question: “Should we judge other cultures based on our own societal norms?”
Your perspective might shift depending on which part of the documentary you’re watching. In the latter half, Yeung attends a small neighborhood gathering that feels like a casual barbecue. Neighbors gather, beers are shared, and dog meat sizzles on the grill. At this point, it’s just meat, indistinguishable from pork or chicken. As one attendee notes, Hindus would be appalled at the idea of eating beef, yet Westerners consume it regularly. So, how is eating dogs any different?
It’s a valid argument, but the first half of the documentary is so distressing that it’s difficult to reflect on it calmly. When Yeung steps into a meat market, it feels like stepping into a nightmare for dogs. Dozens of dogs are packed into tiny cages, with no space to move. Workers handle them roughly, sometimes using nooses around their necks, and toss them into sacks to weigh them. Once sold, the dogs are skinned, roasted, and dismembered by a team of focused butchers.
Unlike the more amiable individuals in the second half, the people in this segment are far from welcoming. They’re defensive, offering various justifications for their questionable—and often illegal—practices. One woman insists she’d have no choice but to turn to prostitution if she didn’t sell dogs. A man argues that the dog trade boosts China’s economy. Everyone vehemently denies that any of the dogs are stolen pets, even the one that clearly knows how to shake hands.
Ultimately, meat is meat, so consuming dog might not be fundamentally different from eating a hamburger. However, the journey our food takes to reach the table matters greatly. If Yulin’s residents wish to preserve their festival, they might need to address the conditions in these markets.
