The film explores how Berchtold used psychological manipulation and "alien" brainwashing to alienate Jan from her family. It also addresses the "generational trauma" caused by his actions, including his sexual involvement with and blackmail of both of Jan's parents to maintain access to her. Production Information A Friend of the Family: True Evil - Apple TV
(2022) is a feature-length documentary that serves as a companion piece to the Peacock scripted limited series, A Friend of the Family . Released on November 15, 2022, the 90-minute film provides a deeper, non-fiction look into the harrowing true story of Jan Broberg and the manipulation her family faced at the hands of Robert Berchtold. Documentary Focus and Highlights A Friend of the Family: True Evil (2022)
: Features all-new interviews with Jan Broberg, her mother Mary Ann, her sisters, and her son, Austen. Released on November 15, 2022, the 90-minute film
: Introduces another survivor of Berchtold's abuse who shares her experience for the first time. Released on November 15