The internet has given rise to countless subcultures, but few are as controversial as the targeted individuals. The documentary “Targeted Individuals”, produced by VICE News, provides a rare and empathetic look at this community of people who believe they are being monitored and manipulated as part of a global conspiracy.
The film opens at a conference in the UK, where more than 60 targeted individuals gather to share their experiences. Some claim to be stalked by operatives who feed them messages on the street, while others believe they have implanted devices in their heads that allow their thoughts to be read and communications to be transmitted via satellite.
It’s a disturbing and unsettling world, and the filmmakers do not approach their subjects with cynicism or condescension. Instead, they allow the targeted individuals to share their beliefs and experiences without judgment, giving voice to a community that is often marginalized and dismissed.
The documentary is an intense and empathetic portrait of mental illness, as the medical community has labeled many targeted individuals as suffering from various mental disorders such as schizophrenia. But the film also shows that these individuals are not just delusional; they are real people with real experiences that have driven them to seek out the companionship of others who share their beliefs.
One of the most poignant moments of the film is when a prominent member of the community shows a recent CAT scan and dental x-ray, both indicating the presence of a mystery implant. Another targeted individual shows the lead sheet she wears to protect herself from alien transmissions and discusses her impulse to move from city to city to avoid being tracked.
While society at large may be quick to dismiss the targeted individuals as paranoid, the film invites us to consider their experiences and perspective with compassion and understanding. After all, society has a shameful history of neglecting and dismissing individuals suffering from mental health concerns.
Overall, “Targeted Individuals” is a provocative and thought-provoking documentary that offers a rare glimpse into a world that is often ignored or ridiculed. It’s an important reminder of the need for empathy and understanding, even when faced with beliefs that seem outlandish or difficult to comprehend.