Billie Eilish, the renowned singer, has made her acting debut in Swarm, a new series co-created by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers. Eilish plays Eva, the leader of a cult-like group, in the show that follows the story of Dre, a fanatical admirer of a Beyoncé-like pop star, who goes on a murderous spree to protect her idol. Eva's character is inspired by the notorious cult NXIVM, which was exposed as a sex trafficking ring. The show is a commentary on celebrity culture, fandoms, and cults.
Eilish's performance has received critical acclaim and praise from viewers, who were surprised by her acting skills and ability to portray such a dark and complex character. According to Nabers, Eilish drew from the real-life examples of NXIVM and its founder Keith Raniere to channel Eva's charisma and manipulation.
Eva's group, DecaWin, mirrors many aspects of NXIVM's subgroup DOS, which presents itself as a women's empowerment group and uses coercion and blackmail to keep its members under control. Dre falls prey to Eva's tactics when she meets her at a gas station and is hypnotized during a therapy session. However, Dre quickly realizes what Eva is up to and runs over her with her car before fleeing the compound.
Eilish's role as Eva is brief but impactful, showing how cult leaders can use charm, deception, and psychological manipulation to lure unsuspecting people into their traps. Swarm is not only a thrilling series but also a commentary on the dangers of cults and their influence on society.