Los secretos de Hillsong, la iglesia de las celebrities

As an ex-evangelical and graduate of the infamous Liberty University, I am always intrigued by these kinds of stories. Hillsong was a big part of the worship music culture I grew up in, and so it was quite surprising for me to see the scandals that have just come to light.

This doc, compared to the HBO doc, goes much more in depth to the story, and it actually has Carl featured as an interviewee. Had no idea about the monstrous crimes of Frank Houston, pastor father of the founder of Hillsong. Just goes again to show you that all institutions, religious or otherwise, will almost inevitably result in abuse of power.

The doc is a pretty tight 4 episodes, I don't think it was overlong like others said. Maybe it could have been 3 episodes and shaved down the rhetoric from some of the speakers. Although it's all truthful and insightful, and there's always some person who hasn't yet grasped why they find themselves disappointed with people and institutions they so love and trust.

This has to be the most engaging, informed, exposed and gritty documentary I've watched. Christians and Non-Christians alike will find more than enough to keep them on the edge of their seats while also being provided with receipts of a broken system throughout. My jaw dropped wide open when Carl Lentz showed up on the screen in the most recent interviews recorded for this, it certainly felt real and all too gripping. Certainly while this is quite the expose' and the intro theme may be oddly & aesthetically pleasing, when they warn you about triggering episodes, please don't look past that... There's a lot of info in the last episode or two to make a weak stomach or a victim of SA and the like feel triggered and mind-boggled. It's a lot to chew on but at the end of the day, no matter what you believe spiritually, finances and scandals shouldn't become the norm, and thats what ultimately brought down this den of wolves I used to see as a legitimate church.

As with nearly every documentary that lifts the lid on these "charismatic" movements there is a dirty underbelly. Since Henry VIII created his own form of christianity to suit his own ends so many humans have followed suit. The subject matter of this movement follows the same pattern - somebody saw the chance to "create" a faith that suits a mindset that will bring rewards. The rewards are power, control, adulation and money. The "leaders" of these "faiths" are definitely never short of material possessions and a comfortable lifestyle and they run it like a business because that's exactly what it is. Sometimes I wish there was such a place as a fiery Hell, an often used tool of fear by them, because that is where so many of them would be going and their fake tears wouldn't quench the flames.

Really digs into the very heart of the problems and rot at the Hillsong church. Was incredible to hear from Carl Lentz and Laura. Felt like we learned a lot of intricate details about what happened and how absolutely screwed up Brian Houston was and the entire Hillsong apparatus.

Excellent production value, footage and audio mixing. I really appreciated the lining up of old footage in a way to emphasize the hypocrisy of the church and the toxic community that was created.

If you enjoy high production documentaries on controversial topics this will hit every note and keep you at the edge of your seat.

I am pretty omnivorous when it comes to film. I like everything from silent movies to new releases. I am fine with foreign language films. But there's one thing that I love most of all - a well crafted documentary. The Secrets of Hillsong is a great example.

It's grounded in facts and interviews. Yet, somehow, the production team managed to keep me on the edge of my seat.

I am not going to reveal any spoilers, but several times, after a major revelation, I'd think, ok, this is obviously the end of this episode- and it never was.

Many of the interviews must have been painful. I applaud those brave souls for finding the inner strength to do them.

If you love great documentaries I suggest that you see this. To me it offers a master class in how to tell a story that is both factual and gripping.