Watch Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is a compelling true-crime documentary series that delves into the chilling world of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a radical offshoot of mainstream Mormonism. Released on Netflix in 2022, the series presents an in-depth exploration of the lives of individuals entwined in this closely-knit community, which has garnered significant public attention due to its alarming practices, particularly around polygamy and the oppression of women.

The series is structured around firsthand accounts, expert interviews, and archival footage that collectively provide viewers with a vivid picture of the FLDS community and its controversial leader, Warren Jeffs. Through a mixture of personal testimonies and societal context, the documentary captures the harsh realities faced by those who challenge the doctrines and authoritarian structures imposed by this secretive group. The participants reveal not only the individual struggles for freedom and identity but also the broader implications of a society built on patriarchal beliefs and systemic manipulation.

At its core, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey examines the captivating yet unsettling dynamics within the FLDS, showcasing how the ideology of absolute faith can lead individuals, especially women, into lives governed by fear and repression. Through the lens of the survivors who managed to escape the strict confines of the community, the series unearths their harrowing experiences, detailing the emotional and psychological toll of life under strict religious rule. The phrase "Keep sweet", often used by community leaders, encapsulates the expectation placed on women to remain submissive and compliant, and the documentary poignantly illustrates the ramifications of such indoctrination.

The show takes a critical look at how the FLDS operates, highlighting the manipulation tactics employed by its leaders to maintain control over the congregation. The perspective of former members offers a stark contrast to the rigidly controlled environment they once inhabited, where dissent is not tolerated, and questioning authority can lead to dire consequences. These personal stories resonate deeply, serving as both cautionary tales and testimonies of resilience and courage.

With a meticulous approach to storytelling, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey does not shy away from the dark aspects of the FLDS, including the arranged marriages of young girls to older men, often justified in the name of religious piety. The series does an admirable job of contextualizing these practices within a larger narrative of misogyny and abuse, providing historical background that situates the FLDS within the broader landscape of religious extremism. This critical perspective invites viewers to rethink notions of faith and freedom, challenging the justifications often used to uphold these practices.

Visually, the series employs a mix of stark imagery, including poignant reenactments and evocative visuals that serve to underscore the emotional weight of the testimonies. The cinematography captures both the beauty of the natural landscapes that surround the community and the suffocating confines of its dogma. This juxtaposition enhances the viewer's understanding of the contrast between the idyllic outward appearance of the FLDS and the oppressive realities experienced within.

Narratively, the structure of Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is deliberate and impactful, progressing through various themes that align with the journeys of the individuals featured. Each episode builds on the last, drawing the audience deeper into the unsettling world of the FLDS while simultaneously spotlighting the fight for freedom undertaken by its former members. The pacing allows for a thorough exploration of the psychological complexities involved in both adhering to and breaking free from such a tightly controlled societal paradigm.

The series not only serves as a documentary about a specific religious community but also resonates on broader themes of autonomy, gender dynamics, and the quest for self-determination. It invites discussions about the implications of extreme beliefs and the resilience required to seek a life beyond entrenched norms.

In its entirety, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey offers a thoughtful, engaging, and often heartbreaking examination of the consequences of unconditional loyalty to a belief system that prioritizes obedience over individual will. The series not only educates but also provokes empathy and understanding for those affected by such oppressive structures. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in shedding light on hidden truths and witnessing the courage it takes to reclaim one’s life in the face of overwhelming adversity. As audiences engage with the series, they are encouraged to reflect on the nature of faith, authority, and the essential human desire for freedom.

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between June 8, 2022 and on Netflix