It would be a mistake to think that all Jehovah's Witnesses are identical. But those who know from experience how the organization works will recognize within this film's three main characters archetypes of the faithful, and situations they are familiar with.
The story revolves around Ivanna (Siobhan Finneran) and her two daughters, Alex (Molly Wright) and Luisa (Sacha Parkinson). Though their lives are very structured and compliant with Jehovah's Witness doctrines, they must deal with two sins---one from the past and one that arises. The film documents how the organization deals with transgressions and how the individuals might deal with the rigid strictures of dogma.
The tone of the film is subdued, which captures the mostly submissive attitudes of the characters quite well. Its style is sparse, reflecting the mostly unadorned lives of JWs.
Those not familiar with the religion might not pick up on all the nuances of behavior and beliefs, but the film does a good job of laying out some basic conflicts that arise with some frequency and it gives the viewer an idea of the level of commitment that JWs must adhere to. In fact, though, the pervasive and comprehensive nature of actual JW doctrine can only be hinted at in a film of this length.
"Bad associations spoil useful habits", they say. It is a perception, biblically based, that proscribes the JW lifestyle. Non-believers are, by definition, worldly, meaning "of the world", meaning not part of the "higher", heaven-focused pursuit of everlasting life. Believers must reject worldly things, because they are, by definition, part of Satan's design. And if anyone is ever uncertain about what choices to make, there is a hierarchy of authority beginning with congregation elders and ending with the Governing Body in New York.
Some people admire JWs for the strength of their commitment to their beliefs, based on biblical principles. Likewise, their dedication to biblical scholarship is virtually unmatched. However, admiration for these attributes might prevent some from seeing the fundamental flaws within the organization, both structurally and logically.
The writer/director, Daniel Kokotajlo, knows the religion from first-hand experience and does a good job of dramatizing everyday events within the lives of JWs.
The story revolves around Ivanna (Siobhan Finneran) and her two daughters, Alex (Molly Wright) and Luisa (Sacha Parkinson). Though their lives are very structured and compliant with Jehovah's Witness doctrines, they must deal with two sins---one from the past and one that arises. The film documents how the organization deals with transgressions and how the individuals might deal with the rigid strictures of dogma.
The tone of the film is subdued, which captures the mostly submissive attitudes of the characters quite well. Its style is sparse, reflecting the mostly unadorned lives of JWs.
Those not familiar with the religion might not pick up on all the nuances of behavior and beliefs, but the film does a good job of laying out some basic conflicts that arise with some frequency and it gives the viewer an idea of the level of commitment that JWs must adhere to. In fact, though, the pervasive and comprehensive nature of actual JW doctrine can only be hinted at in a film of this length.
"Bad associations spoil useful habits", they say. It is a perception, biblically based, that proscribes the JW lifestyle. Non-believers are, by definition, worldly, meaning "of the world", meaning not part of the "higher", heaven-focused pursuit of everlasting life. Believers must reject worldly things, because they are, by definition, part of Satan's design. And if anyone is ever uncertain about what choices to make, there is a hierarchy of authority beginning with congregation elders and ending with the Governing Body in New York.
Some people admire JWs for the strength of their commitment to their beliefs, based on biblical principles. Likewise, their dedication to biblical scholarship is virtually unmatched. However, admiration for these attributes might prevent some from seeing the fundamental flaws within the organization, both structurally and logically.
The writer/director, Daniel Kokotajlo, knows the religion from first-hand experience and does a good job of dramatizing everyday events within the lives of JWs.