Sons of Perdition

Sons of Perdition is an engrossing 2010 documentary film that focuses on the fascinating and shakingly tumultuous world of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Directed by Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten, the film features Bruce Barlow, Deloy Bateman, and Michelle Benward. Sons of Perdition adopts a cinematic, unflinching gaze on a highly secretive and often misunderstood society, where power dynamics and religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping the lives of its members.

The documentary derives its title from the soundly chilling term, "Sons of Perdition," that the FLDS community uses to define those who have transgressed against the sect's declared principles – mainly young men who have been excommunicated or have chosen to leave the community. Through their struggles for survival and search for identity in a world that feels utterly alien to them, these young men form the crux of this film.

Bracketed by stunningly serene visuals of the Arizonan landscape, the film opens into the hauntingly closed community of Colorado City. The audience is introduced to the protagonists who, although characterized by youth and its presumed innocence, carry a humbling profundity in their narratives resulting from their harsh experiences in the FLDS community. Through their tales, we get viscerally disturbing insights into the complexities of a religious institution that operates on the edge of societal norms, beyond the reach of conventional law enforcement.

Bruce Barlow and Deloy Bateman's roles in the documentary shine a light on the theological framework that serves as the bedrock of the FLDS and engenders its chain of command. Their position in the community provides an intriguing contrast to hold against the experiences of the young men focused in the film. Michelle Benward, on the other hand, offers a female perspective on the society, paving the way for a balanced narrative that openly acknowledges the nuanced limitations, as well as the sources of strength within the FLDS community.

Foregrounding the palpable tension between rituality and humanity, Sons of Perdition keenly explores the intricate web of religious devotion, authoritarianism, patriarchy, and the personal quest for freedom. However, it avoids a singularly stereotypic portrayal of the community and instead handles its subject matter with sensitivity and respect, highlighting the complexities of life within FLDS.

The documentary takes a substantially humanistic approach in giving form to the emotional landscapes of its characters, focusing on their internalization of their memories, struggle, faith, doubt, and aspirations. Through their narratives, the film explores the articulation of identity, the essence of belongingness, and the pursuit of freedom within the constraints of a rigid religious structure that is both a haven and a cage.

A significant aspect of the film is its impeccable storytelling style. Blending interviews with carefully crafted visuals and minimalistic yet impactful musical score, the film moves seamlessly between the past and the present – unfolding a narrative that is as much about collective memory as it is about individual choices and their consequences. The filmmakers expertly blend personal accounts with the wider societal commentary, avoiding overt judgment while displaying a high level of empathy for its characters' tribulations.

Sons of Perdition’s main strength lies not just in its in-depth rendering of the otherness of FLDS community, but also in its capacity to stir universal questions of belonging, identity, power structures, and the price of rebellion. It is a wake-up call to the harsh realities faced by these young men, called "Lost Boys," in their quest for a life of their own. By choosing to tell their stories without resorting to sensationalism or prejudice, the filmmakers deliver a poignant, evocative examination of the human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.

In essence, Sons of Perdition is a poignant cinematic journey into the heart of a secretive religious community. It offers a deep exploration of faith, freedom, and identity, effectively breaking the silence of the insular FLDS, and in doing so, provides a compelling testament to the enduring spirit of its young rebels. By the end of this film, viewers are likely to be moved, educated, and left contemplating the complexities of religious fervor and the human capacity for resilience.