Trust Me: The False Prophet is a four-part American docuseries directed by Rachel Dretzin, set to premiere on Netflix on April 8, 2026. The series explores the rise of Samuel Bateman, who claimed to be the successor of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), through the perspectives of Christine Marie and her husband, filmmaker Tolga Katas, who live in Short Creek, Utah.
The strength of this series lies in its perspective: rather than a straightforward retrospective, it offers an immersive look into a community already fractured by internal divisions within the FLDS. Centered on a couple infiltrating the circle of a false prophet, the documentary sheds light on the mechanisms of control, the spread of fear, and features testimonies from women who have chosen to speak out.
Without aiming for sensationalism, Trust Me: The False Prophet explores how Samuel Bateman ingrained himself into a secret community in the American West, following in the footsteps of Warren Jeffs. The series focuses less on recreating a true crime case and more on illustrating how a self-proclaimed religious authority can exert control over vulnerable followers, eventually revealing truths that are impossible for insiders to ignore.
Directed by Rachel Dretzin, known for Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, this new documentary series further delves into the cult-like deviations within fundamentalist Mormon communities. The short, four-part format promises a tight, compelling narrative built around exclusive footage, on-the-ground archival material, and firsthand accounts.
Trust Me: The False Prophet
Series | 2026
Streaming on Netflix starting April 8, 2026
Documentary | 4 episodes
Created by Rachel Dretzin | Featuring Christine Marie, Tolga Katas
Original title: Trust Me: The False Prophet
Country: United States
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