Andrew Garfield's True Crime Series 'Under the Banner of Heaven' Offers Unflinching Look at Mormon Church Abuses Andrew Garfield’s seven-part true-crime series Under the Banner of Heaven is a compelling and intense watch, blending gripping storytelling with a critical examination of institutional power. While the show is not for the faint-hearted, its powerful performances and thought-provoking narrative make it a standout entry in the genre. Based on Jon Krakauer’s 2003 nonfiction book of the same name, the Hulu series follows the investigation of a brutal murder that shakes the foundations of the Mormon Church. The story centers on Jeb Pyre, a devout Mormon detective played by Garfield, who is tasked with solving the killing of a mother and her infant child in Utah. As Pyre delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a disturbing connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, revealing how its teachings and structures may have enabled the crime. The series balances the mystery of the murder with a broader critique of religious institutions, exploring how power dynamics within organized religion can perpetuate harm. Garfield’s portrayal of Pyre is nuanced, capturing the internal conflict of a man torn between his faith and his duty as a law enforcement officer. The supporting cast, including Adelaide Clemens, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Rory Culkin, adds depth to the narrative, portraying both victims and perpetrators with unflinching honesty. The show avoids simplistic moral judgments, instead focusing on the systemic issues within the Church that allowed such atrocities to occur. While the series shares thematic similarities with other true-crime dramas like True Detective, it distinguishes itself by anchoring its narrative in a real-life case.#hulu #andrew_garfield #under_the_banner_of_heaven #mormon_church #jon_krakauer
