This documentary follows the extraordinary political awakening of Hildale, Utah, a town long dominated by the imprisoned fundamentalist prophet Warren Jeffs, whose influence continues to shape every aspect of life through religious control, land ownership, and fear. At the heart of the film is Donia Jessop, a former member of Jeffs’ church who returns to her hometown to run in its first-ever democratic mayoral election. Her campaign becomes a catalyst for reckoning with a century-long system of polygamy, indoctrination, and systemic abuse that fractured families, exiled young men, and normalized the exploitation of women and children.
Interweaving the history of the Short Creek community with the unfolding election, the film reveals how a theocratic dictatorship was built—and how it begins to unravel. While Jeffs’ crimes form the backdrop, the focus remains firmly on the present: the resistance Donia faces, the entrenched misogyny she challenges, and the personal cost of confronting a belief system she once held dear.
Crucially, the documentary also gives voice to those who remain loyal to Jeffs. Through unprecedented access to current FLDS members, the film presents a nuanced portrait of a divided town, where faith, fear, and identity collide as returning apostates and long-time followers battle for the future of their community. Rather than a sensational account of one man’s crimes, the film is a political and human story about power, belief, and the possibility of change. It is the final chapter in a long struggle—and a rare portrait of democracy taking root in one of the most controlled communities in America.
Running time: 01:28:27