Devotion: The Gloriavale Story

What’s it about?

A 3-part docuseries that looks inside New Zealand’s controversial religious community, Gloriavale. The series explores the group’s history of sexual abuse and uncertain pathway forward, hearing from the most dedicated followers and its harshest critics.

The facts

• Directed by Nicole Rittenmeyer (Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains)
• English language
• Runtime: 3 episodes, around 45 minutes each

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Neon. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Suicide themes

Interviewees briefly reference a member’s suicide. Nothing is shown and it is not described in detail other than that his body was found in a local park.

Sexual violence themes

The docuseries explores the community’s culture of sexual abuse, allegations, and specific sexual abuse cases, including with children. Most revolve around the two previous leaders Neville Cooper and Howard Temple. The series does not contain physical reenactments or archival footage of the abuse, but survivors’ detail specific experiences and its impact, including descriptions of rape and child sexual abuse. This could upset viewers who have or know someone who have gone through similar experiences.

The documentary also explores how sexual abuse allegations were potentially covered up and not reported. A church leader was welcomed back to Gloriavale after his conviction for sexual abuse. Current leaders discuss changes in the community’s culture and updated pathways for redress.

Cruelty

Alongside discussions of sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse are also major themes. Gloriavale leavers discuss being ostracised by their community. There is archival footage of a woman getting verbally abused by her father for leaving. Interviewees discuss exploitative labour conditions and occurrences of child labour. There are conversations around punishment when speaking with media negatively or considering leaving.

Content that may disturb

Themes of sexual and physical violence against women and children might be hard to watch for some viewers.

The documentary explores the patriarchal system that exists within Gloriavale where women, men, and children have specific roles in church and family. Women interviewees discuss the lack of opportunities for them outside the home, marriage, and bearing children.

Archival footage shows police officers raiding the Gloriavale premises and exercising search warrants.

Helplines:

The sexual violence and suicide themes could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen, please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?