Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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"Sons of Perdition" -- the title appears with a voice saying, "Oh, young people, eternity is within your reach if you will just live faithfully so the prophet can place you properly in marriage. I want you to believe these stories -- there are no monogamists in heaven." The voice is Warren Jeffs, prophet of the FLDS Church, setting the stage for the story of three boys who leave -- or are expelled from -- the polygamist community of Colorado City, known by the locals as "The Crick."
Directors Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Mertin document the two year odyssey of Sam, Bruce and Joe as they leave their homes, families and their religion to enter a loosely connected underground network of exiled kids centered in St. George, Utah. Assured by their prophet that they are now condemned to hell in the afterlife, the boys -- with newfound freedoms, temptations, liabilities of age, no documentation and limited options, all mixed with loneliness and anger -- find themselves dealing with a taste of hell on earth.
Bruce, 15, talks at length about "Warren" breaking up his family. Now he wants to move on but can't attend school without documentation and parental approval. Joe talks constantly about the physical abuse at the hands of his father. He's committed to saving his mom and sisters from "The Crick."
Filmmakers document the various attempts, some so pathetic it breaks your heart, especially when derailed by intimidation, threats and religious harangues. Sam, who has training in carpentry, tries his hand at framing. But again, other opportunities are limited. He can't even join the Army because of a restraining order from dear old dad.
We find the boys gravitating to the home of Jeremy Johnson, a wealthy software designer who, along with his wife, has tried to help and provide a sanctuary for exiled kids. But even big-hearted Jeremy hits his limit when he becomes alarmed by behavior and randomly conducts a drug test. Each boy tests positive and while still willing to help, their protector indicates it's time to move on.
"Sons of Perdition" doesn't leave out the "daughters of perdition." They too, of course, are condemned to hell. The first taste of freedom combined with guilt and loneliness produce similar challenges for the girls, but with the additional baggage of an indoctrinated submissiveness to males. Add to that marriage at a very tender age, sexual activity and the resulting children that are sadly used to coerce rebellious females into staying at "The Crick."
A moderate effort is made to differentiate the FLDS from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Early in the movie a rudimentary, very brief history is offered on the 1890 Manifesto bringing an official end to polygamy. Without wasting much footage, it's explained that this caused some to break away from mainstream Mormonism -- including the group that settled Short Creek, later to become Colorado City.
There is an unfortunate, almost random drop-in from Jon Krakauer, author of "Under the Banner of Heaven," that does little to enlighten and seems to be included primarily for star power. He liberally uses the term "Mormon" in describing the influence and power of "the prophet" from 1830 to today and into the future, never pointing out that he is talking about very separate and very different entities.
"Sons of Perdition" is an intriguing film that requires undivided attention. It's easy to get lost and confused in the maze of convoluted relationships; to say they intertwine is a gross understatement. For those who have never visited these communities the movie offers an up-close-and-personal view.
The boys at one point actually take us on a drive, pointing out sites and landmarks, talking about memories of better times, and bemoaning that Warren Jeffs has turned their religion into a cult. Be aware that these kids don't sugarcoat their thoughts, and the language is stiff.
As the credits roll, the future is very much in doubt for the boys and the women that finally do leave Colorado City.
Three stars for "Sons of Perdition."
