Our Father, the Devil
Our Father, the Devil

Movie spotlight

Our Father, the Devil

2023
Movie
108 min
French

An African refugee's quiet existence in a sleepy mountain town in the south of France is upended by the arrival of a charismatic Catholic priest, whom she recognizes as the warlord who slaughtered her family.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Nathalie BibeauGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the story of John Thebe, who claims to be a divine messenger sent to expose corruption and hypocrisy within the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. The film follows his mission as he navigates his complex relationship with his family and the broader community, challenging deeply held beliefs and structures. It explores themes of faith, disillusionment, and the personal cost of speaking truth to power within a rigid religious framework.

Critical Reception

Our Father, the Devil received critical acclaim for its sensitive and compelling portrayal of a controversial figure and his deeply personal spiritual journey. Critics lauded the film's direct approach in exploring themes of faith, betrayal, and the search for truth within a religious institution. The documentary was praised for its intimate access and the nuanced way it presented both John Thebe's perspective and the broader implications of his claims.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and intimate look at faith, doubt, and the courage to challenge religious authority.

  • The film offers a thought-provoking exploration of personal conviction versus institutional doctrine.

  • Praised for its sensitive handling of a complex and often divisive subject matter.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Our Father, the Devil' are scarce as it is a niche documentary. However, general sentiment points to appreciation for its in-depth look into a lesser-known religious controversy and the personal struggles involved. Viewers often note the film's ability to provoke thought and discussion on faith and community dynamics.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Feature Documentary at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Nathalie Bibeau spent several years gaining the trust of John Thebe and his family to document this sensitive story, highlighting the patience and dedication required for the project.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Brent Marchant

Brent Marchant

They say it’s never too late to do the right thing. But how far does that extend? Does it include, for example, atoning for the heinous crimes of a ruthless warlord responsible for the brutal murders of entire villages? Or must such a monst...