Changes in the realm of filmmaking are evident, and director Rachel Dretzin, a former investigative journalist for Frontline, can attest to this evolution.
Dretzin asserts, “The documentaries I am creating, along with those from my peers, often prove to be more effective than the legal system in driving change—both psychologically and, at times, systemically and criminally.”
However, the influence of filmmaking in the series “Trust Me: The False Prophet” feels particularly urgent. This gripping four-part documentary chronicles the journey of two filmmakers who became FBI informants, playing a crucial role in the downfall of Samuel Bateman, a polygamous Mormon cult leader currently serving a 50-year prison sentence for his involvement in illegal sexual activities with minors.
Christine Marie, a cult specialist, and her husband, Tolga Katas, immersed themselves within the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) community in Utah. They successfully built trust with its typically secretive members and gained access to Bateman’s household, where he claimed to have 20 “wives,” many of whom were underage.
The young women under Bateman’s control were so deeply indoctrinated that they regarded him as a prophet, believing he was their path to heaven and a successor to the notorious Warren Jeffs, the FLDS leader imprisoned in 2007 for similar egregious sex crimes. Bateman sought to fill the void left by Jeffs’s absence.
The crucial footage captured by Marie and Katas, along with the testimonies of witnesses they discreetly influenced, proved vital for the FBI’s case against Bateman and others implicated in the crimes. This compelling evidence, along with the heartfelt accounts from witnesses, is featured in “Trust Me,” a standout true-crime series that successfully transcends the typical sensationalism of the genre, presenting its chilling insights and thrilling moments with integrity and thoughtfulness.
“I had access to some remarkable material,” Dretzin shared during a video call with the Guardian. She elaborated on the complex narrative that unfolded, where undercover agents navigate an emotional minefield, deceiving those they aim to protect while collaborating with a legal system that has limited options for engaging with this insular community. “It had all the elements of a thriller.”
Dretzin was well-prepared to address the intricate and sensitive subject matter, having previously explored similar themes in the Netflix docuseries “Keep Sweet: Prey and Obey,” where she reported from inside the FLDS community to reveal the crimes committed by Warren Jeffs.
“Trust Me” serves as a continuation of her exploration, or as Dretzin prefers to frame it, an additional chapter. This time, however, she is not limited to archival footage and retrospective interviews; she has access to the firsthand, revealing footage captured by Marie and Katas of an unsuspecting Bateman, who often appears as a bumbling and pathetically self-absorbed individual. Bateman is seen posing for the camera, boasting on his motorcycle, and devising ludicrous plans, including an attempt to entice the Queen of England into marrying him through a music video directed by Marie and Katas.
“One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the humor in this character,” Dretzin remarked, acknowledging Bateman’s harmful actions. “It’s astonishing to think that someone capable of such horrendous crimes can also be so absurd. Yet, he is not an isolated case; others embody this conflicting dynamic as well.”
The documentary captures not only Bateman but also the vulnerable young women he controls, with whom Marie and Katas formed friendships. Dretzin noted that Marie and Katas entrusted her with their footage due to her understanding of FLDS culture from her previous work and her sensitivity towards the victims who often defend the very structures and individuals that exploit them.
Given their pivotal role in the narrative, Marie and Katas could not create the documentary themselves. Instead, they effectively lead a documentary within a documentary, presenting a unique angle that allows viewers to witness not just the crimes but also the process of witnessing those crimes.
“Trust Me” continually takes viewers behind the scenes as Marie and Katas strategize their filming and interviews with Bateman and the young women, all while masquerading as filmmakers promoting the FLDS perspective. This meta-narrative invites reflection on the documentary form and the ethical dilemmas it raises.
“This series delves into themes of betrayal and trust, which are central to documentary filmmaking,” Dretzin explained. “Sometimes, you develop trust with individuals who ultimately do not determine how their story will be portrayed.”
“Christine acts as a stand-in for the audience—while she uncovers the story, we discover it alongside her—and she also represents me as a filmmaker. This film within a film, the exploration of witnessing and its ethics, all resonate deeply.”
“I relate to what Christine experiences when she states, ‘I must betray them to save them. I have to navigate this dual role. I need to pretend to align with everything Bateman is doing to ultimately bring him to justice.’ These are challenges I grapple with as a documentary filmmaker.”
Marie is a vibrant character; a former Ms. Michigan, escape artist, and ventriloquist. Initially, one might perceive her as self-promoting, a common trait among filmmakers who integrate their own narratives. However, as the documentary unfolds, her genuine conviction becomes evident, along with the weight of her past as a Mormon, which fuels her determination to confront the exploitation of young women.
Throughout “Trust Me,” other compelling narratives gradually emerge, including that of Julia, a mother who becomes aware of Marie’s deception and…
