Watch Pray, Obey, Kill
- TV-14
- 2021
- 1 Season
-
6.6 (1,130)
Pray, Obey, Kill is a gripping true-crime documentary series produced by HBO Nordic that delves into the strange and dark events surrounding a double murder that occurred in the secluded Swedish village of Knutby in January 2004. The series is directed by the acclaimed Swedish filmmaker Henrik Georgsson, and it features interviews with some of the people involved in the case, including Anton Berg, Martin Johnson, and Helge Fossmo.
The series unfolds like a mystery novel, slowly unveiling the twisted web of events that led to the murders that shocked Sweden and the world. The atmospheric cinematography and haunting music create a sense of unease that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The show is divided into six parts, each building on the previous one to paint a complete picture of the events that took place in Knutby.
At the heart of the series are the two murders: the shooting of Alexandra Fossmo, the wife of the Pentecostal congregation's pastor Helge Fossmo, and the stabbing of her neighbor, Daniel Linde. The murders appeared to be unrelated, but investigators soon discovered that the two were connected, and that they were part of a bizarre plot orchestrated by a sect-like group within the church.
The series begins with an introduction to the main players in the case, including Alexandra, Helge, and Daniel, as well as the members of the church who are implicated in the murders. The story alternates between interviews with the people involved and dramatic reenactments of the events.
The interviews with Anton Berg, one of the police officers who investigated the crimes, are particularly compelling. He provides an insider's perspective on the case and reveals the challenges that faced the investigators as they tried to unravel the motives behind the murders. Martin Johnson, the prosecutor in the case, is also interviewed extensively, shedding light on the legal strategy that was used to convict the perpetrators.
The interviews with Helge Fossmo are particularly eerie, with Helge being depicted as a charismatic yet manipulative figure who used his position as pastor to gain control over the congregation. The testimony of the members of the church who followed him blindly is equally disturbing, as they reveal the extreme measures they took to curry his favor.
The series also highlights the role that gender played in the case, with Alexandra and the other women in the church being portrayed as victims of Helge's manipulation. The church's rigid beliefs about gender roles are shown to have contributed to the cult-like environment that existed within the congregation.
Overall, Pray, Obey, Kill is a riveting and disturbing look at how easily people can be led to commit heinous acts under the guise of religious belief. The series raises important questions about the role of religion in society and the dangers of unchecked authority. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or cults, and a sobering reminder of the potential for evil that exists in all of us.
Pray, Obey, Kill is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between April 4, 2021 and on HBO Nordic