Under the Banner of Heaven

Never seen anything that's so religious like Mormons and LDS. It kept me interested with Andrew's typical amazing acting and the mystery surrounding Daisy's character Brenda. And I also like the intriguing atmosphere. The entire story kinda feels like it's revolving around something small but it keeps getting more intense. There wasn't any major twists but the execution of the story, direction, visuals, music and cinematography deserves huge praise. I think people who are into religious stuffs will appreciate this even more. Anyways, this is a well-made show. And Andrew got an Emmy nomination!! Well deserved! 7.5/10.

This is very well written and produced. Andrew Garfield is well cast. Just look at all the terrible tv out there this show is easy to watch and engaging.

Though it could have been truncated, I thought this was surprisingly good. Interweaving re-enactments of stories from the Book of Mormon related to a double homicide in Utah, the detective-a Mormon himself-finds himself going through a trial of faith similar to the primary suspect: the husband of murdered mother and daughter, the deeper the mystery goes the more entwined it becomes with the church itself, delving into some esoteric and antiquated aspects of the LDS faith.

It was effective and compelling. I hadn't heard of the real case this had been based on or the book this adapts. But I am aware of the LDS faith and the splintering; including the offshoot of polygamy, but not where it came from. I ended up being as interested in that aspect as the murder investigation.

Stand-out acting as well. Another pleasant surprise.

Let me start off by saying I'm an active Mormon and I rated this a 7 so no, *all* Mormons aren't giving this the lowest rating.

I was raised in "the Church" and still attend, although I've never been die-hard religious so maybe that's why I can view this show at least somewhat objectively. I also lived in the Utah Valley for over a decade so I definitely got the full "Mormon experience" 😂

First off, let me start by saying that I've talked to a LOT of Mormons and at least in my experience, NO Mormon actually talks like they do in the show. I actually laughed out loud several times when they kept quoting scriptures or prophets or said "Heavenly Father" in almost every sentence. Lol. No. I get that this is a dramatization but oh my, it was so cheesy.

Also the portrayal of Brigham Young was a little bit of an eye roll. He was kind of a weird dude for sure and made some questionable decisions (as every human does btw) but making him out to be this scheming villain (again, for dramatic effect I'm sure) was a little over the top.

Overall the cinematography was great, the acting was phenomenal, and the story was shocking and engaging, although it was told a little too slowly. Bottom line, really good, interesting show with a few flaws.

Anyway, definitely worth a watch, and if you're Mormon and considering watching it, just relax, enjoy it for what it is, and maybe learn something. "Fundamentalism/FLDS" is obviously an extreme offshoot of mainstream Mormonism and most people know that, if they're not ignorant. Also, every single religion has done some pretty messed up stuff and justified it in the name of a higher being. I'm not saying it's okay because it isn't, but churches are run by humans and again, humans are flawed. Doesn't mean your whole life is a lie and God isn't real.

Andrew Garfield is such a nice surprise in this series demonstrating a depth and range I didn't know he had - he was totally believable as a complex, conflicted Mormon detective.

Daisy Edgar-Jones was another strong performer among an almost flawless cast as an enigmatic woman trying to combine her faith and her ambition in a world that has stood still but now is trying to propel backwards. A progressive woman is not welcome or valued.

This plot is intricate and emerging so if you don't appreciate a slow build and want something simplistic, don't watch and certainly don't review. Every episode gets better as we are immersed more deeply in a world digging backwards to a dark history.