The documentary series, The Truth About Jim, premiered on Thursday, February 15, 2024, exclusively on Max.
This four-part series follows Sierra Barter as she delves into generations of family secrets and trauma while discovering the truth about her step-grandfather, Jim Mordecai.
Sierra Barter is a survivor of sexual assault who grew up near Lake Tahoe in California. She shared that her experience of assault had a profound impact on her life. She explored her family’s history and found a pattern of trauma caused by her step-grandfather, Jim Mordecai, which took a toll on her family and other women in his life.
During the documentary, Sierra uncovers dark stories of manipulation, violence, and possibly even murder connected to her step-grandfather. She is deeply troubled by the discovery that Jim had assaulted women outside of his immediate family, including students at the high school where he worked.
Sierra believes that her step-grandfather, Jim, could have been involved in a series of unsolved murders from 1972 to 1973, which took place in Sonoma County, where he lived. The documentary explores her theory and sheds light on the trauma he caused his family and the women in his life.
Through interviews with family members and others who knew Jim, the documentary paints a chilling picture of the man behind the façade.
Sierra’s mother, Shannon, and her stepbrother, Michael Probst, share stories of abuse and fear instilled by Jim. Jim’s stepdaughter, Christi Probst, describes him as a narcissist, a bully, and a manipulator.
Despite the trauma she and her family faced, Sierra aims to bring light to the difficult family history and the trauma caused by Jim. She hopes that her attempts to unpack the family mysteries and trauma will encourage other victims to feel comfortable sharing their stories.
Directed by Skye Borgman, known for her work on Netflix true crime documentaries, The Truth About Jim not only explores Sierra’s theory but also aims to shed light on the trauma Jim caused his family and the women in his life.
Sierra’s courage in sharing her family’s story and the attempt to bring the truth to light is a testament to her resilience as a survivor, and her hope that her story might bring comfort and validation to other survivors.
