I lived on the West Coast and I've visited Gloriavale and seen for myself the sadness and trauma inflicted on those who live there. While the concept of communal living may seem ideal to those of us trapped in the lonely cycle of rampant consumerism, Gloriavale, like all other cults, trades belonging for total control. Anyone with a passing knowledge of the teachings of Jesus Christ probably know he'd be rolling over in his grave over the goings-on inside the Cooperites compound.
This documentary covered a number of years, and intertwined beautifully shot interviews with emotionally fraught reenactments. I've watched dozens of true crime docos, and I've always wondered why the production team never made a concerted effort to recreate costumes and cast people who looked similar to those they were portraying. With this show, it actually took me watching the credits of the first episode to realise some scenes had been scripted!
The music was haunting and perfectly timed to produce tension, while the furtive movements and gestures of the cast perfectly captured the real-life Gloriavale inhabitants mannerisms and complete servitude to the cult leaders.
I would love to see an ongoing series documenting the families who've left, and how they're integrating into life outside Glorivale.
The last scenes were truly heartbreaking, and while I'm not prone to hyperbole, I dare any viewer to complete this series without shedding a tear. Or at least being moved to looking up the Gloriavale Leavers Trust to see how one can donate to the cause.
