Under the Banner of Heaven Story:-
Starring Andrew Garfield as a conflicted detective, Dustin Lance Black’s adaptation offers a sensitive and intimate portrayal of a profound reckoning.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 28 April 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Episodes | 7 |
| Creator | Dustin Lance Black |
| Cast | Andrew Garfield, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie, Sandra Seacat, Christopher Heyerdahl |
| Director | David Mackenzie, Isabel Sandoval |
| Writer | Dustin Lance Black |
| Cinematography | Tobie Marier-Robitaille, Gonzalo Amat, Craig Wrobleski |
| Producer | Jason Bateman, Gillian Berrie, Dustin Lance Black, Michael Costigan, Anna Culp, Samie Kim Falvey, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, David Mackenzie, Andrew Garfield |
| Production | FX Productions, Aggregate Films, Imagine Entertainment, 20th Television |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Adapting Jon Krakauer’s 2003 book “Under the Banner of Heaven” for the screen was a daunting task. Dustin Lance Black, known for his work on “Milk,” had to navigate the complex terrain of the horrific murder of a mother and child, intertwined with the clash between mainstream and fundamentalist Mormonism. As someone with personal ties to Mormonism, Black spent a decade refining the limited series, which premieres on Hulu on April 28.
In the first five episodes provided to critics, Black’s adaptation at times feels overloaded with information while reiterating established themes and character arcs. However, it also offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the case, employing a clever narrative approach that pays off.
The series delves into the 1984 murder of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter, a crime that exposed the darkness within her powerful in-laws’ devout Mormonism. Led by patriarch Ammon, the Laffertys’ extreme religious beliefs led to a chilling ruthlessness, pitting their sons against the world. Brenda’s husband Allen recounts the suspicion and control within the family, leading to her tragic demise. The direction, particularly by David Mackenzie in the first two episodes, prioritizes intimacy over grandeur, using handheld close-ups and unsettling angles to create a constant sense of unease.
What sets this series apart from other true crime dramas is twofold. Firstly, there’s little doubt about the culprits behind Brenda’s murder. Secondly, the central character is a fictional creation designed to propel the narrative forward while embodying the story’s central themes. This creative choice proves to be the series’ most ingenious move, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Instead of adopting the perspective of a Krakauer-like character, as seen in Netflix’s problematic “Inventing Anna,” Dustin Lance Black opts for a different approach in “Under the Banner of Heaven.” He introduces a pair of detectives whose backgrounds shape their views on the case they’re investigating. Detective Jeb Pyre, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, is a devout Mormon grappling with his faith’s darker aspects as the investigation unfolds. His partner, Bill Taba, played by Gil Birmingham, is a Native American navigating his outsider status in Utah.
While Pyre and Taba could easily fall into clichés, Black establishes a foundation of mutual respect between them, preventing their dynamic from becoming trite. Garfield delivers a poignant performance as Jeb, a family man shaken by the violence they encounter. His genuine marriage and connection to the Mormon faith provide insight into the community without reducing it to spectacle.
The series prioritizes nuanced portrayals of the Lafferty family and the Mormon institution over simply solving the case. It delves into the internal conflicts that drive individuals towards salvation or ruin. While Sam Worthington struggles with his portrayal of Ron Lafferty, other actors excel in their roles. Wyatt Russell infuses Dan Lafferty with charm turned poisonous, while Chloe Pirrie imbues Matilda with palpable terror.
“Under the Banner of Heaven” also serves as an educational tool on Mormonism, incorporating historical flashbacks to Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma. However, these segments can feel disjointed, and the frequent flashbacks to Brenda Lafferty’s interactions with the Lafferty family lack clarity in perspective.
Despite its ambitious scope, the series handles its themes effectively, offering insight into the collision of faith and loyalty. While it may not satisfy everyone, “Under the Banner of Heaven” navigates complex religious and moral terrain with skill and depth, showcasing the tensions inherent in belief systems.
“Under the Banner of Heaven” premieres with two episodes on Thursday, April 28. Episodes will then be available to stream every Thursday on Hulu.
