Jamali Maddix is bringing a fresh and thrilling perspective to the documentary scene with his latest series, Follow the Leader. In an age where gloss and over-production have taken over the documentary format, Maddix’s four-part series on U&Dave strips it all back to basics, showcasing the power of raw storytelling with minimal setups and genuine conversations.
The series takes Maddix to various corners of the world, where he interacts with controversial and intriguing figures, from vigilante paedophile hunters in the US to the so-called “passport bros” in Colombia. He also delves into the world of Chicago’s gang culture and meets an eccentric Pennsylvania pastor known as “King Bullethead.” It’s a far cry from the overproduced documentaries that have dominated platforms like Netflix in recent years.
“I knew nothing about passport bros,” Maddix narrates, referring to a group of crypto- and red-pill-minded men who travel to developing countries for cheap living and questionable relationships. Watching these men, who awkwardly flex in nightclubs and proclaim themselves seekers of better lifestyles, Maddix raises thought-provoking questions. “How do they find each other? What drives them to do this? What are they really looking for?”
The brilliance of Follow the Leader lies in Maddix’s approach. Rather than ridiculing his subjects, he digs deeper into what makes them tick. The show’s title gives a clue to its core mission: exploring the strange charisma that makes these figures alluring leaders and understanding why people gravitate toward them. For Maddix, it’s not just about pointing out the oddities of these groups but examining the allure that fuels their followings.
“King Bullethead is no one without his bulletettes,” Maddix quips, subtly poking fun at the eccentric pastor who commands a cult-like group in Pennsylvania. But it’s clear that Maddix is less concerned with mocking and more interested in understanding what makes these individuals so compelling to their followers.
Maddix’s ability to balance curiosity with humour makes the series stand out. He effortlessly breaks down barriers with his subjects, allowing them to drop their guard and speak openly. His charm and wit bring out moments of vulnerability, particularly in the “passport bros” segment, where one man buys a studded leather jacket, clumsily flirts with locals, and confesses his desire for a wife. Maddix doesn’t judge but simply observes, giving viewers insight into a subculture that many might find unsettling but undeniably fascinating.
In an era where true crime and overly polished stories have dominated the documentary landscape, Follow the Leader feels like a breath of fresh air. Maddix brings the focus back to the essence of documentary-making: authentic human stories, told without unnecessary frills. His style is reminiscent of the old-school approach, where a small crew and candid conversations are enough to create a compelling narrative.
As a standup comedian, Maddix is no stranger to finding the humour in uncomfortable situations, and that skill shines through in this series. In one scene, during an early morning sting operation with the paedophile hunters, Maddix sits bleary-eyed in the back of a van, lamenting the early wake-up call. These moments of levity punctuate the more serious subject matter, creating a balance that keeps the viewer engaged.
Follow the Leader is a testament to the power of simplicity in storytelling. It proves that you don’t need elaborate production or multiple episodes to tell a captivating story. Sometimes, all you need is a camera, a curious mind, and a willingness to listen. Maddix’s unique style of investigative journalism ensures that documentary is truly “back, baby!”
