In the hushed corners of the Utah-Arizona border, “Banking On Heaven” thrusts viewers into the heart of the largest polygamous cult in the United States—the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This unflinching documentary pierces through the veil of secrecy shrouding the FLDS, revealing a harrowing narrative of denied civil rights, enslaved women and girls, and a deeply unsettling system of polygamous marriages. At its core, the film exposes the disturbing role of Warren Jeffs, the self-proclaimed “Prophet” of the FLDS, while casting a scorching indictment on his treatment of fellow cult members. Moreover, it unearths the disconcerting silence from the mainstream Mormon church and government in the face of these egregious issues plaguing the lives of polygamists ensnared in a web of greed and deceit. “Banking On Heaven” stands as a testament to the courage of a small group of filmmakers who ventured into a secluded and camera-averse town to capture damning testimonials from the women ensnared in this gripping narrative.
“Banking On Heaven” is a powerful and unsettling exposé that delves into the very heart of the FLDS, a religious sect infamous for its polygamous practices and secretive ways. The film pulls no punches in its portrayal of the FLDS, shedding light on how women and girls within the cult are systematically deprived of education and basic civil rights. Instead, they are treated as commodities, bartered away in marriages to polygamous men within the community.
At the center of this disturbing tale looms Warren Jeffs, the enigmatic “Prophet” of the FLDS. The documentary dissects his role within the cult and lays bare the shocking treatment of its members under his leadership. It paints a chilling portrait of a man wielding immense power and control, often at the expense of the very people he claims to lead and protect.
Perhaps one of the most distressing aspects explored in “Banking On Heaven” is the lack of outrage from the mainstream Mormon church and the collective failure of the government to address the issues plaguing polygamist communities. The film raises thought-provoking questions about complicity and accountability, urging viewers to contemplate the systemic failures that allow such injustices to persist.
The documentary’s ability to infiltrate a town known for its aversion to outsiders, especially those armed with movie cameras, is a testament to the filmmakers’ determination and bravery. Their efforts yield damning testimonials from women who have experienced the dark underbelly of the FLDS, providing a raw and unfiltered look into the lives of those ensnared in its grasp.
“Banking On Heaven” serves as a sobering reminder that beneath the facade of religious piety, there can lurk a world of exploitation, manipulation, and abuse. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of collective silence.
In conclusion, “Banking On Heaven” is a haunting and courageous documentary that peels back the layers of one of the most notorious polygamous cults in the United States. It exposes a world of denied civil rights, enslaved individuals, and the corrosive influence of a charismatic leader. Through its unflinching storytelling and intimate testimonials, the film offers a searing critique of a system built on greed and deceit.