Available on Netflix, the documentary film “Ghislaine Maxwell: Power, Money and Perversion” focuses on the role played by Ghislaine Maxwell, the companion of Jeffrey Epstein, in a case of sex trafficking of minors.
For decades, socialite billionaire Jeffrey Epstein used his influence to sexually abuse young, often underage, women. In total, nearly 500 victims are said to be affected by his crimes. In 2019, while being held in prison ahead of his trial for sex trafficking, he was found hanged in his cell. All eyes are then on his companion and faithful accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.
This film follows the predator-centric documentary series released in 2020, still on Netflix. Here, the scandal is told through the actions of this woman, daughter of an important businessman, Robert Maxwell, and an important figure in New York high society. Entitled Filthy rich in the original version – filthy rich in French – the feature film is based on the testimonies of investigators, former friends of Ghislaine Maxwell and victims.
If the story opens with the arrest of the culprit in 2020 – after months on the run – the film goes back to 1989 to return to her social ascent and her meeting with Jeffrey Epstein. The documentary depicts his sulphurous personality. Very popular, she is also seductive and encourages many women to flirt – if not more – with men. Told by a witness, an anecdote about a sexual game in the middle of the evening demonstrates its modus operandi.
A DEVASTATING COUPLE
Exciting yet difficult, the film manages to portray his desire for omnipotence and control. By attracting minor girls to satisfy her boyfriend’s sexual urges, she sets up a whole network of prostitution. Thanks to their many connections, the Epstein-Maxwell couple escape the consequences and continue their misdeeds in plain sight.
For many victims, Ghislaine Maxwell is even more dangerous than her companion. The film recalls that female aggressors represent 5% of reported sexual crimes. A number “minimal” according to a lawyer interviewed. In June 2022, the predator is sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Ghislaine Maxwell: Power, Money and Perversion is available on Netflix.