Exploring the Liver King: A New Documentary
For many young men today, masculinity seems to revolve around a fixation with protein and a playful, if extreme, persona reminiscent of a WWE character. Enter Netflix’s new documentary, *Untold: The Liver King*, which will showcase Brian Johnson, known as the Liver King. This fitness influencer promotes ancient lifestyles as a remedy for modern challenges, embracing loud workouts and a raw, carnivorous diet that includes an absurd assortment of animal organs.
The Liver King expresses frustration over society’s obsession with phone culture. He collaborates with marketing experts to produce attention-grabbing stunt videos—one scene features him pulling a truck while a companion pushes it, evoking the energy of a caveman. Johnson has built a dietary supplement empire worth around $100 million annually, all while acknowledging that not everyone can adhere strictly to the primal lifestyle he advocates.
His impressive physique has become almost mythical, raising eyebrows when considering his pronounced habits—including claims of consuming raw organs. Johnson also candidly admits to spending over $11,000 a month on steroids, which he reveals during the documentary. He discloses the extent of his deception, hinting that each revelation merits its own in-depth discussion.
While his life trajectory is striking, the complexities beneath the surface are not neatly organized. “Why eat vegetables when you can indulge in testicles?” he asks, capturing a crude essence wrapped in bravado. In a rather peculiar moment, he reflects on a conversation with his sons that leads to a comical inquiry about the origins of oxygen.
Johnson’s life story doesn’t shy away from darker truths, portraying him as a caricature of toxic masculinity and deception. In one unsettling scene, he encourages his sons to consume organs from a recently deceased bull, blurring lines of normalcy and safety. There’s almost a palpable sense of danger—salmonella and E. coli are possible side effects of his unconventional teachings.
His interactions with his sons, nicknamed “Rad” and “The Barbarian,” reveal deeper issues, particularly his tendency to overlook their well-being; one child even breaks a leg without their father being informed. The kids consume an unsettling 15 raw eggs daily, all while the family receives visits from child protection services. Johnson boasts about how impressed these officials are, seemingly oblivious to the possible ramifications of his lifestyle choices. The backstory of his early life, marked by the loss of his father when he was just a year old, casts a long shadow over his parenting approach, which substitutes a stable figure with his own drastic ideals.
This documentary, unlike many others that stretch content across multiple episodes, is tightly packed into a brief 70 minutes. It invites viewers to ponder not only Johnson’s principles but also wider questions about the current climate surrounding influencers and their impact. Directed by Joe Perlman, it mixes humor with greater themes found in iconic media, prompting reflection on what it means to follow such seemingly outlandish figures.
The rise and fall of influencers serve as a cautionary tale for our times. Their stories reflect the emptiness underlying the values we often hold dear. Throughout the film, Johnson remains a figure of optimism, convinced that his journey is far from over. He transforms his ranch into a social hub for those who resonate with his message, ultimately questioning: “Why don’t people have a retreat?” His answer? “We have 302 of them.” Yes, the Liver King may just be around for a while longer.
