Netflix Docuseries Explores Warren Jeffs’ Polygamist Cult and Its Aftermath

Netflix’s upcoming docuseries *Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey* will explore the history of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and its former leader, Warren Jeffs. The four-part series, directed by Rachel Dretzin, focuses on the Yearning for Zion Ranch in West Texas, where Jeffs, who served as the group’s self-proclaimed prophet, was arrested in 2008. Federal authorities raided the ranch, uncovering evidence of severe abuse and the presence of over 400 children, many of whom were taken into custody.

The raid revealed that Jeffs had 78 wives, 24 of whom were underage. The investigation also uncovered systemic sexual, physical, and psychological abuse within the community. Jeffs is currently serving a life prison sentence for charges of sexual assault of a child. Despite his incarceration, he is alleged to continue leading the group from behind bars, maintaining his role as a spiritual authority.

Dretzin, who previously directed the documentary *Who Killed Malcolm X*, traveled to Utah to interview survivors of the FLDS. Her research included never-before-seen archival footage and firsthand accounts from individuals who left the group. She described the initial impression of the community as repressive and isolated, noting the stark contrast between the group’s appearance and the severity of its practices.

As Dretzin continued her interviews, she found that the stories of coercion and mind control exerted by Jeffs were deeply personal and relatable. Survivors shared experiences of being valued solely as plural wives and breeders, with little to no education or financial support. Leaving the group meant abandoning everything they knew, including family and community.

The survivors’ journey to independence has been fraught with challenges. Many struggled to adapt to life outside the FLDS, facing societal barriers and a lack of resources. Dretzin emphasized the incredible strength and courage displayed by these women, describing them as “badass” for overcoming such adversity.

The docuseries aims to shed light on the complex realities of the FLDS and the impact of its practices on individuals. It underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to such environments, in line with the call to seek justice and care for the vulnerable.

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