Under the Banner of Heaven

A police detective investigating a brutal murder within the fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uncovers a dangerous conspiracy and questions his own faith. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he confronts the violent history of the Church and the extreme interpretations of faith that can lead to devastating consequences. The series explores themes of faith, doubt, violence, and the search for truth in a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

Under the Banner of Heaven received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric direction, strong performances (particularly from Andrew Garfield), and its willingness to tackle complex themes. Some critics found the pacing uneven at times, and the intertwining of historical flashbacks with the central mystery could be dense. However, overall, it was lauded for its gripping narrative and its exploration of faith and extremism.

• Andrew Garfield delivers a standout performance as a detective grappling with faith.

• The series masterfully blends true crime with historical context, creating a compelling narrative.

• Praised for its atmospheric direction and tackling of sensitive, complex themes.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the series' intriguing mystery and strong acting, with many highlighting Andrew Garfield's performance. The exploration of faith and its darker aspects resonated with viewers, though some found certain historical elements a bit dense. The suspense and character development were frequently cited as positive aspects.

The series is based on Jon Krakauer's 2003 non-fiction book of the same name, which investigated the 1984 murder of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter by her brothers-in-law, who claimed divine instruction.