Netflix's shocking documentary 'Escaping Twin Flames' has an Arizona connection

The latest Netflix documentary that's sweeping the internet and social media focuses on the alleged cult Twin Flames University, and one of its founding members is from Sedona.

"Escaping Twin Flames" is made by the Emmy-nominated directorial team behind "Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult" and features interviews with former members and current members' families while showing footage from some of the seminars.

The leaders of Twin Flames Universe, Jeff and Shaleia Ayan, have written books, taught classes and mentored members into becoming coaches all around the spiritual theory of "twin flames," or divine soulmates.

Here's everything to know about "Twin Flames," Netflix's newest hit documentary that is streaming now.

What is the Netflix movie about Twin Flames?

Netflix's new documentary "Escaping Twin Flames" shows how Twin Flames Universe leaders Jeff and Shaleia Ayan manipulated members into toxic relationships, cut ties with their families and assumed different genders.

The three-part documentary uses interviews with ex-members and the families of current members to tell the complex story of Twin Flames Universe.

What is Twin Flames Universe?

The Twin Flames Universe is an online spiritual community that promises members that they will find their "twin flame," or one true soulmate.

Former members talk openly about how they were coerced into talking to their crushes, repairing relationships with toxic previous partners and changing their gender identities.

The Ayans claimed to have spiritual powers that could confirm members' twin flames.

Where is Twin Flames Universe located?

Twin Flames Universe is entirely online; Jeff and Shaleia Ayan run the operation out of their Michigan home.

The duo met online in 2012 and began a long-distance relationship. At the time Jeff was living in Hawaii and Shaleia was in Sedona.

They shared their spiritual practices on YouTube before turning it into a full-blown operation with books, classes and various packages for purchase.

The couple runs the online Twin Flame Ascension Course, which takes place mostly via video calls. There are several packages for the course, with the all-inclusive package coming in at $8,888. according to twinflamesuniverse.com.

A four-part video series called Romance in Sedona Workshop costs $123. Viewers focus on their "relationship with the Divine," learn about the "Ascension Path" and watch sermons and lessons to "guide the consciousness into incredible transformation."

Is Twin Flames Universe still in business?

Yes, Twin Flames Universe is still up and running with new members being recruited.

Filmmakers Cecilia Peck and Inbal B. Lessner reached out to the Ayans for comment. The couple instead took to the Twin Flames Universe Facebook page to address the allegations in the documentary.

"Our primary objective continues to be the development of a community that is both diverse and inclusive, joined together by common values, principles and goals," the Facebook post stated.

It continued: "The allegations levied against Twin Flames Universe not only distort our true aims, methods and curriculums but also misrepresent the autonomy of our community members, who are free to engage with our resources as they see fit. We are committed to confronting these allegations in an open and accountable manner."

Where can I watch the Twin Flames documentary?

The three-part "Escaping Twin Flames" documentary is streaming on Netflix.

Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Netflix's 'Twin Flames' connections to Sedona, Arizona