A Family Business Unlike Any Other
In a world where reality TV feels staged and documentaries are overly polished, VICE’s Members Only strips away pretense—literally. This gripping documentary pulls back the curtain on The Gold Rush, a family-owned strip club in the Midwest run by the same clan for three generations. Far from the clichés, the film reveals a story as much about kinship as it is about skin, challenging viewers to rethink what “family business” really means.
Inside The Gold Rush: Neon, Drama, and Loyalty
At the heart of Members Only is The Gold Rush, a dimly lit, neon-drenched club where the term “family affair” takes on new meaning. Patriarch Big Joe founded the club in the 1970s; today, his daughter Lexi manages the dancers, while his son Mike handles finances. Even Grandma Ruth, the sharp-witted matriarch, drops in to oversee operations.
The documentary doesn’t shy from contradictions: while dancers undress for money, they’re also treated like family—think holiday parties, emergency loans, and babysitting favors. The film captures the club’s dual identity: a workplace where glitter meets grit, and a refuge where loyalty runs deep.
Unflinching Storytelling: Glamour, Grit, and Gray Areas
True to VICE’s signature style, Members Only delivers raw, unfiltered scenes—from backstage dancer drama to Lexi’s emotional breakdown after firing a longtime employee for stealing. “These are my people,” she admits, blurring lines between boss and family.
Interviews with townspeople amplify the tension: some scorn the club as a moral blight, while others acknowledge its economic role. The family oscillates between pride and vulnerability, defending their livelihood (“We’re just giving people an escape,” says Mike) while grappling with stigma.
Why “Members Only” Matters
Beyond titillation, the documentary probes deeper questions: Can a strip club be both exploitative and empowering? Is The Gold Rush a testament to hustle or a cautionary tale? By spotlighting dancers—many single moms or students—and the family’s unorthodox dream, the film forces viewers to confront biases about adult entertainment.
Final Take: Provocative and Thought-Provoking
Members Only isn’t just about a strip club; it’s about survival, sacrifice, and redefining success. Whether you’re a VICE devotee or a documentary casual, this film will linger in your mind long after the last lap dance.
Stream Members Only now on VICE—and prepare to see “family values” in a whole new light.
