As a self-proclaimed documentary girlie, I’ve set an exciting goal for myself this year: to post about EVERY documentary I watch. Last year, I aimed to dive into over 60 documentaries but didn’t document my thoughts at all. This year is different! I’m committed to not just watching, but also sharing my insights and reflections.
My Review: The documentary takes viewers on a bewildering journey into the dark world of Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). As someone familiar with the story, I found myself asking, “What in the entire fuck is happening?!” This documentary dives deep into the complexities of Jeffs’ rise to power and the dysfunctional dynamics at play within the church.
The film does an exceptional job of illustrating how Warren Jeffs maneuvered his way through the hierarchy of the FLDS after the death of his father, Rulon Jeffs. Rulon was a revered prophet who maintained a more community-focused approach, unlike his son. The documentary sheds light on Warren’s troubling behavior at the church school, raising questions about how those around Rulon allowed such a problematic figure to ascend to leadership. This stark contrast between father and son sets the stage for the chaos that ensues.
Warren Jeffs emerges as a deeply troubling character whose delusions of grandeur and self-proclaimed divine authority led him to commit egregious acts. The film captures the moment when he began marrying multiple women, some underage, all while claiming to have direct communication with God. The sheer audacity of his actions, combined with the blind faith of his followers, left me baffled. Even after his arrest, Jeffs continued to excommunicate members, illustrating the extent of his control and the delusion that permeated his leadership.
One of the most poignant aspects of the documentary is the personal stories shared by those affected by Jeffs’ reign. In particular, the perspective of his wife on the run evokes a sense of empathy. She was trapped in a web of lies, believing in promises that were never meant to be fulfilled. Hearing her story, especially about her younger sister being married off to Warren, adds a heartbreaking layer to the narrative. It highlights how manipulation and deceit can destroy lives and relationships.
The documentary also touches on the actions of the Texas State Police when they seized the FLDS property and separated families. This adds another layer of complexity to the story, illustrating the broader societal implications of Jeffs’ actions and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with such a tightly-knit community. The emotional turmoil experienced by the families involved is palpable, and the film does well to convey the depth of this crisis.
In conclusion, this documentary is a riveting and unsettling exploration of Warren Jeffs and the FLDS. It challenges viewers to confront the disturbing reality of blind faith and the dangers of cult-like leadership. The combination of personal narratives, powerful cinematography, and in-depth analysis makes for a compelling watch. If you’re ready for a wild ride through one of the most bizarre and heartbreaking stories of our time, this documentary is a must-see.
In a nutshell: Shocking, Abusive & Disturbing
Streaming Service: Peacock
Air Date: April 26th, 2022
Rating: 9.5/10
Summary: Hidden away from the evils of society, raising their own food, schooling their children, enjoying their polygamist lifestyle and being safe in their faith, this community thought they were living in Utopia. But when their Prophet Rulon Jeffs died and his son Warren Jeffs rose to power, that all changed and became an American horror story. For the first time, the woman who accompanied Warren on his run from the law tells her story, raising questions along the way about whether she was an accomplice to his crimes against children or a victim herself. (From IMDB)
Black. Girl. Iowa. 