The Narcissist's Playbook
The Narcissist's Playbook is a 2026 documentary film directed by Mark Vicente about narcissism and psychological manipulation. It features interviews with specialists, people describing experiences of abuse, and participants who identify themselves as narcissists.
Synopsis
The film examines methods of establishing control in interpersonal relationships through interviews and personal accounts. Participants include actress Evan Rachel Wood, director Barry Sonnenfeld, author Sam Vaknin and Richard Grannon. As the narrative develops, its initial explanation of psychological manipulation gives way to a journalistic investigation involving Isla Traquair.
Wood discusses her relationship with Marilyn Manson and how playing Dolores in Westworld helped her process her trauma. People, reporting on her participation in the documentary, also included Manson’s previously expressed denial of her allegations.
Production and release
Vicente’s interest in the film’s subject was connected to his experience in NXIVM and his subsequent departure from the organisation.
The film became available for digital rental through its official website on 29 July 2026. Coverage in The Nerve also announced an accompanying podcast by Traquair.
Reception
Rick Hong, reviewing the film for Film Threat, rated it 9 out of 10. He responded positively to its educational aspects and highlighted the change in narrative direction in its final section. However, Hong considered Wood’s contribution partly repetitive of material in the documentary Phoenix Rising.
Nell Minow gave the film a B+ on Movie Mom. She highlighted an unexpected turn approximately two-thirds into the film and favourably assessed its potential to familiarise viewers with the manipulation tactics it depicts.
Julia Raeside, writing in The Nerve, highlighted the abrupt change in the narrative’s character and the resulting sense of immersion.
Press coverage
In September 2026, the Macedonian publication Korektiv.mk reported on allegations against Vaknin presented in the film and its accompanying podcast. The publication sought comments from Traquair, Vaknin and South East European University. In his published response, Vaknin rejected the allegations, described the film and podcast as defamatory, and said recordings of role-playing exercises had been presented in a misleading context.