Amish et Séducteur : Le Scandale Eli Weaver

No consideration of truth in Amish/Mennonite culture. So many errors! Script is poorly done; dialogue is 5th grade. Actors are beyond bad. This is laughingly terrible except it's true a mother of five was murdered. Seriously flawed beyond belief. I couldn't believe Netflix aired it. Crazy silly bad.

Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story is a measured, true-crime drama that leans heavily into atmosphere and cultural context rather than shock value or fast pacing. From the start, the film makes it clear that it wants to immerse the viewer in the Amish way of life, taking time to show daily routines, values, and the deep-rooted belief that justice is often left in God's hands. This deliberate pacing can feel slow at times, but it also helps ground the story in realism and respect for the community it portrays.

The central mystery revolves around a murder that initially goes largely unchallenged within the Amish community, highlighting the tension between faith-based forgiveness and the modern justice system. That conflict becomes the film's strongest thematic element. Once law enforcement becomes involved, the story gains momentum, especially as an Amish man begins moving between two worlds that fundamentally clash with one another. This duality adds emotional weight and complexity to what could have otherwise been a very standard crime narrative.

The screenplay is mostly effective, though not without flaws. Some scenes feel repetitive, and certain story beats are a bit wonky in their execution. Still, the script succeeds in keeping the narrative understandable and cohesive, even when it takes its time getting where it needs to go. The dialogue feels grounded, if occasionally stiff, which fits the restrained tone of the film.

Performances are solid across the board. No one delivers a breakout role, but the cast brings enough authenticity to make the characters believable. The Amish characters, in particular, are portrayed with seriousness rather than caricature, which helps the film maintain credibility and respect.

Visually and technically, the film clearly operates on a lower budget, but it works within its limitations. The direction is straightforward, avoiding unnecessary flair, and focuses instead on telling the story cleanly. This approach suits the material, even if it lacks cinematic polish.

Ultimately, Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story isn't a standout crime film, but it doesn't aim to be. It's a decent, watchable drama that offers insight into a rarely explored community while telling a grounded murder story. You may not rush to rewatch it, but it serves its purpose well and is worth checking out if the subject matter interests you.

AMISH STUD: THE ELI WEAVER STORY 6 out of 10 stars Time to Read: 2min

BASIC PLOT: Eli Weaver (Luke Macfarlane) is a narcissistic Amish man, who thinks the world owes him a good time. He doesn't abide by Amish law, and often uses vehicles, cell phones, and other forbidden items. He also fancies himself a ladies man, cheating on his wife Barbara (Miranda MacDougall) and even using and online dating site, where his handle is "The Amish Stud".

Eventually, he grows tired of his wife and children, and begins soliciting murder from his many girlfriends. Only one is amenable, a taxi driver named, Barb Raber (Kirsten Vangsness). Eli wants her to kill his whole family, but Barb only agrees to murder his wife.

Detective Bruce London (Brent Stait) and Detective Michael Maxwell (Mark Krysko) are assigned to Barbara Weaver's case. Can they uncover the dark underbelly of the Amish community in time to get justice for Barbara's sister (Clare Filipow), and children (Ryder Miller, Lilliana Rose Nekrash)?

WHAT WORKS: *BEAUTIFUL CINEMATOGRAPHY AND DIRECTION This movie uses the lovely Amish countryside as a backdrop, and it does it well. All the shots are well framed, and set the mood. Excellent job by Stacey N. Harding (director) and Jimmy Wu (cinematographer).

*LOVELY COVER ART That's a rarity for TV movies these days, and deserves a mention. I wish I could give credit to the artist, but it's impossible to find.

WHAT DOESN'T WORK: *PACING IS A BIT SLOW AROUND THE HOUR MARK It's not a huge mistake, but a minor hitch.

*BARB ASKS FOR A LAWYER, BUT THE DETECTIVES QUESTION HER ANYWAY This is a clear violation of her constitutional rights. Anything she did say, would be thrown out, since they did not get her a lawyer when she requested one.

*ELI TESTIFIES "BARB SHOT MY WIFE." This would be objected to by Barb's lawyer. Eli had left the house by the time his wife was shot. He could testify to the planning of the murder, to his leaving the door open for Barb, but not to the actual shooting. He had no direct knowledge, and therefore it would just be his supposition.

TO RECOMMEND, OR NOT TO RECOMMEND, THAT IS THE QUESTION: *I would definitely recommend this film to fans of made-for-tv movies, movies based on true events, and fans of Luke Macfarlane and Kirsten Vangsness. It's a great time waster, and a beautiful piece of filmmaking.

CLOSING NOTES: *This is a made-for-tv movie, please keep that in mind before you watch\rate it. TV movies have a much lower budget, and so your expectations should be adjusted.

*I have no connection to the film, or production in ANY way. This review was NOT written in full, or in part, by a bot. I am just an honest viewer, who wishes for more straight forward reviews (less trolls and fanboys), and better entertainment. Hope I helped you out.

It was a sad commentary about humanity and those with no moral compass who do not know the difference between right and wrong. A person being involved in killing the mother of his 5 children is shocking. One wonders from whom his genes were inherited. The judicial system in Ohio did not give them Life without parole was surprising.