A new documentary exploring the legacy of Charles Manson offers a deeply personal perspective on the infamous cult leader’s impact, focusing on the experiences of his granddaughter, Maddox Arguelles. Co-directed by Maddox and Alexandra Orton, the film delves into the complex emotions and trauma tied to being blood relatives of one of the most notorious criminals in American history.

Maddox Arguelles, 26, confronts the dark shadow cast by her bloodline throughout the documentary, detailing her struggle to reconcile her identity after learning that Charles Manson was her grandfather. The revelation followed a DNA test her father, Daniel Arguelles, took as an adult, which triggered a severe mental health crisis and heightened tensions within the family. “I come from a murderer,” Maddox says in the film. “Who the f— would accept me?” She later reflects on how the discovery led to a profound personal low, questioning how her own family could be connected to such violent acts.

The film traces Manson’s troubled life, highlighting his abusive upbringing, frequent incarcerations, and the crimes he orchestrated through his followers. It revisits the murders of actress Sharon Tate and others at her Benedict Canyon home on August 9, 1969, as well as the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the following night. Archival footage and interviews include former Manson associates, scholars, and the original prosecutor Stephen Kay. The documentary also features Manson himself, including excerpts from a 1981 jailhouse interview with NBC’s Tom Snyder. Manson died in prison in 2017 at age 83.

Central to the story is Maddox’s evolving relationship with her father, Daniel, who raised her with a strong bond during her early years but faced his own turmoil after learning about his biological connection to Manson. The film captures the fracturing of their relationship over time, including a heated argument between the two that symbolizes the emotional toll the discovery exacted. Maddox acknowledges that the project has caused strain but also highlights the importance of therapy and support from those interviewed, which helped her move toward empowerment and self-acceptance.

In interviews, Maddox describes the journey from initial devastation to a sense of personal strength, emphasizing that her identity is not defined by her grandfather’s crimes. She explains that the film became a means of understanding her heritage and breaking cycles of trauma. Co-director Alexandra Orton notes the challenges of capturing such raw emotions on camera and supporting Maddox throughout the process, highlighting the documentary as an artistic outlet for confronting difficult truths.

While Maddox has not spoken to her father since their last confrontation, she keeps the door open for future reconciliation. She hopes viewers recognize that historical legacy need not dictate one’s future and that individuals can forge their own paths despite the burdens of their past. The documentary offers a nuanced exploration of how personal history intersects with public infamy and the quest for healing in the shadow of a notorious family legacy.