Watch Inside a Cult: Messiah on Trial

Inside a Cult: Messiah on Trial is a gripping and unnerving documentary that explores the inner workings and beliefs of a religious cult, The Lord Our Righteousness Church, led by charismatic leader Michael Travesser. The film, which was released in 2009, follows the criminal trial of Travesser, who was charged with sexual misconduct with minors and conspiracy to commit sexual contact with minors.

The documentary is suffused with an air of tension and unease from the beginning, as it opens with footage of Travesser and his followers performing a strange ritual at the church's compound in New Mexico. We see them practicing a strange mixture of Christian and mystical beliefs, with Travesser frequently referring to himself as "The Messiah" and demanding complete obedience from his followers.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to members of the church, who speak about their beliefs and experiences in the community. Many of them speak glowingly about Travesser, describing him as a kind and loving leader who has guided them to salvation. However, it soon becomes clear that the church is not all what it seems, and that there is a dark underbelly to the community.

The documentary does an excellent job of balancing the testimonies of church members with the testimony of law enforcement officials and former members of the church. We hear from people who have left the church and describe the emotional abuse and manipulation they endured during their time there. We also hear from detectives who investigated Travesser and his church, and who describe the difficult and disturbing process of trying to build a case against the group.

One of the most harrowing aspects of the documentary is the footage of Travesser himself. He is a captivating and compelling figure, with an almost hypnotic presence on screen. However, as we hear more and more about his disturbing beliefs and behavior, his charm begins to wear thin. We see him preaching to his followers about the righteousness of his actions, even as he faces charges of abusing minors.

Overall, Inside a Cult: Messiah on Trial is a well-crafted and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the real-world consequences of extremist religious beliefs. It provides a fascinating look at a cult that was able to thrive for years, despite the harmful and illegal practices taking place within it. At the same time, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders and becoming isolated from the wider world.