Three-part Mini Series Streaming on TVNZ+. Reviewed by Shaun Davison

The TV series The Handmaid's Tale depicts a dystopian future in which women live in sexual servitude to men. Dressed uniformly in long dresses and bonnets, those “handmaids” eerily resemble the real women featured in the documentary Escaping Utopia. It is based on Gloriavale, a secluded community located in the lush hills of Westland.

Recent publicity around the employment court cases brought by former members against Gloriavale means that most people will know something about the cult established by a Christian zealot. Escaping Utopia unveils the psychological manipulation and fear, which, according to former members, keep its members in place. Through intense and compelling storytelling, the documentary gives insight into life inside Gloriavale.

The first episode introduces former member Pilgrim Christian, now part of a support network helping members escape and adjust to what they believed was the "evil outside world”. It harks back to a 60 Minutes programme (1994) which first exposed sexual abuse within Gloriavale and led to the founder's brief imprisonment and controversial return to the community.

Watching Escaping Utopia can be harrowing and yet captivating. It sheds light on how people can be exploited and preyed on in the name of religion. (Our own church has been guilty of similar practices.) Escaping Utopia serves as a useful warning against the dangers of a secretive enclave. 

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 293 June 2024: 28