Decoding Daughters of the Cult: Unraveling the Hulu Documentary
Uncover the chilling truth behind the Hulu documentary Daughters of the Cult Discover the dark history surrounding Ervil LeBaron and his cult, and decide for yourself if this intriguing series is worth your time
Hulu recently released an astonishing documentary series on Ervil LeBaron, the enigmatic leader of a murderous polygamous fundamentalist sect. Discover everything you need to know about Daughters of the Cult, including its storyline, cast, and whether it's worth your time.
The end of 2023 brought a wave of documentaries focusing on cults and their infamous leaders. These included Netflix's Escaping Twin Flames, HBO's Love Has Won series featuring Amy Carlson as "Mother God," and Paramount Plus' Born in Synanon, which delves into the story of Charles E. "Chuck" Dederich.
The latest batch of cult-based content has made a significant impact due to the inclusion of interviews and insights from individuals who have firsthand experience. This is evident in Daughters of the Cult, which offers a unique perspective through the eyes of LeBaron's offspring. All episodes of the documentary series are now accessible on Hulu, providing viewers with an important portrayal of the subject matter.
What is Daughters of the Cult about?
Presented by ABC News Studios, Daughters of the Cult is a five-part documentary series that includes interviews with former members who survived a Mormon fundamentalist cult led by Ervil LeBaron, known for ordering the fatal attacks on numerous rivals.
Watch the trailer below:
According to the official synopsis, "Daughters of the Cult" is a gripping five-episode series that delves into the dark history of a breakaway faction of Mormon fundamentalist cult followers who carried out a campaign of violence and exploitation for years in the name of their extreme leader, Ervil LeBaron.
Known as the 'Mormon Manson', LeBaron and his followers operated covertly in the Southwest and Mexico. Former members of the notorious cult now reveal the real story behind the series of violent crimes.
'Daughters of the Cult' includes interviews with former members, including LeBaron's own children, providing a firsthand account of being raised under his dictatorship. Additional perspective comes from family members and law enforcement involved in the murder investigations, shedding light on the gruesome and heart-wrenching reality of a ruthless leader orchestrating ruthless killings.
“Despite running from the FBI for most of their young lives, there is triumph and healing for the brave few men and women who escaped and began anew.”
Who’s in Daughters of the Cult?
The documentary Daughters of the Cult includes interviews with many former members who survived, including Anna and Celia LeBaron, the daughters of the cult leader. The film also features an interview with Hyrum LeBaron, the son of Ervil.
Faye, Ervil’s stepdaughter
Adine Marc, Ervil’s daughter
Donna Goldberg, Ervil’s niece
Stephany Spencer, Ervil’s niece
Lindsay Hansen Park, Mormon Historian
Scott Anderson, Author of The 4 O’Clock Murders
Terry Clark, a federal prosecutor, commented on the case, stating, "It's just unbelievable. I find myself thinking, 'This can't be real.' If I hadn't experienced it firsthand, I'm not sure I could even believe it. Our family was responsible for taking lives because of our father."
Anna expressed fear in sharing her family's story, citing the challenges her siblings have endured in overcoming the aftermath of their father Ervil LeBaron. The complexity of their family dynamic, including Ervil's multiple wives, makes it difficult for the LeBaron children to pinpoint the exact number of siblings they have. Hyrum admits uncertainty in counting the extent of his brothers and sisters.
Adine adds, “It’s impossible. Somebody just needs to count, and I’ve never taken the time to count.” Collectively, they estimate the figure to be between 50 and 55.
Who is Ervil LeBaron and where is he now?
Ervil LeBaron was a notorious American religious leader and criminal connected to the LeBaron group, a fundamentalist sect of Mormonism. He became infamous for his role in a series of violent crimes and was sentenced to life in prison in 1980 for ordering the killing of rival Rulon C. Allred. In 1981, he died by apparent suicide.
The "4 O’Clock murders" refer to a simultaneous series of killings on June 27, 1988, at 4pm. Even though Ervil had already passed away by this time, it is believed that he orchestrated the murders by leaving a list of "enemies" with his children. Ervil justified his involvement in the crimes using the Mormon doctrine of blood atonement.
Ervil LeBaron passed away while incarcerated.
The killings began due to a conflict between Ervil and his brother Joel LeBaron regarding who would lead the religious group. The 4 O’Clock murders consisted of the deaths of four people, including competing sect members, in order to strengthen Ervil’s authority.
There are conflicting reports about Ervil's death, with some suggesting suicide and others speculating that he was killed by fellow inmates. The exact circumstances remain unclear, but it is believed that rival sect members seeking revenge may have had a hand in his death. Ervil LeBaron's criminal activities and the violent acts committed by his followers have left a troubling legacy in the realm of religious extremism and internal power struggles. His life sentence and the infamous 4 O'Clock Murders highlight the extreme measures he was willing to take to assert dominance within the LeBaron group, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Is Daughters of the Cult worth watching?
Although it’s too early for a Rotten Tomatoes score, Daughters of the Cult has received some positive feedback so far due to how it handles the shocking subject matter.
The way "Daughters of the Cult" excels is not only in presenting the details of the crimes and situations, but also by providing insight from former members who share their frightening experiences. One viewer on Twitter commented that the show is intense and eye-opening, particularly appreciating the aspect of having the cult leader's adult children reminiscing about their childhood and sharing their experiences while having drinks and playing poker.
Sign up to Hulu to watch Daughters of the Cult
Daughters of the Cult is available to stream on Hulu now, and you can check out more of our true crime coverage below:
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I find the Hulu documentary "Daughters of the Cult" to be a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of a dark chapter in American history. The series delves into the disturbing world of Ervil LeBaron and his polygamous fundamentalist sect, shedding light on the horrifying crimes they committed in the name of their extreme beliefs.
The documentary's strength lies in its firsthand accounts from former members of the cult, including LeBaron's own children. Their testimonies provide a chilling glimpse into the psychological manipulation, violence, and exploitation that characterized this group. The interviews are raw, emotional, and deeply unsettling, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.
