Daughters of the Cult

I am so glad I decided to check out this documentary. What a crazy story told from the perspective of these people who lives it. I am always fascinated by stories about people who join cults but to be born into one and grow up not realizing that you are in one is totally different ball game. I am so glad these brave survivors decided to tell us their story. If you have not watched yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. I binged all episodes in one night and I wish there were more. If any of the family reads this, I am so happy that you shared your story and I wish all nothing but the best!

I'm familiar with this story as a reader (and multiple re-reader) of Anna LeBaron's book The Polygymist's Daughter. This isn't just another true crime docuseries. It's a multifaceted look at a compelling story that is told by multiple members of the family who come together with vulnerability, pain, humor, survival, honesty, and growth to tell the story of their lives. You will watch this and walk away with questions. This is a series you will want to watch and rewatch. I watched all the episodes in two nights, and I will be watching them again with my family and friends. My respect and thanks go to the family for telling this difficult story with the vulnerability and bravery that I know it took. You all did an amazing job. I hope that the healing continues.

I've only watched two episodes and I'm hooked. I remember this case well because one of my family members was one of the investigators on the case. He interviewed several of the family members, including Ervil himself, while he was in prison. Of course, he couldn't give me many details, but I think this was that case that drove him to retirement. He also investigated the death of Daniel Ben Jordan. I was just a kid myself. My family member was there at the funeral of Rulon Allred. I'm so grateful that nothing serious happened. He was also part of the investigation of the death of Daniel Ben Jordan and also attended that funeral.

I appreciate and was most impressed by the resiliency of Ervil's children who came forward to share this harrowing tale.

I hadn't heard this story before, and it was really fascinating, but it was so dragged out and could easily have had less episodes. But the main let down was the interviews. Got quite repetitive at times. I'm not going to get personal in this public space but will note that people talking over each other, and interrupting each other, in the interviews was very hard to watch. Worth a watch. The old news footage and photos were also interesting. The expert and professional interviews were ok, definitely more interesting. However, I had to watch over several viewings, not a show to be binged to me.

I had read Anna LeBaron's book The Polygamist's Daughter but I still found myself staring open mouthed at the screen during some of the revelations in this documentary. There is something so powerful about hearing it straight from the survivors of a violent cult. No one knows how many children cult leader Ervil LeBaron had but estimates are at least 50. Many of his children and other relatives appear on screen to share their stories. I believe I binge watched this over two days, and I want more. We need a Part 2! The description of the 4 o'clock murders was so clear that it was more horrifying than reading about it. I loved the sibling relationships shown on screen and I wish these capital S Survivors all the best!