Andrew Garfield delivers a compelling performance on Hulu in the intense true-crime miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven, which explores a chilling real-life case that shook the Mormon community in the 1980s. The series, which aired in 2022, combines psychological drama and intricate family dynamics to unravel the story behind a brutal murder, highlighting the conflict between faith and violence.
Exploring the True Story Behind Under the Banner of Heaven
Under the Banner of Heaven, a 7-episode miniseries released on FX on Hulu in 2022, is based on Jon Krakauer’s non-fiction book about a murderous crime that deeply affected the Mormon church. The story focuses on Brenda, portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who marries Allen, a reserved member of the large Lafferty family led by fundamentalist Mormon beliefs. As Brenda gets more involved with the family’s strict religious lifestyle, her safety is increasingly threatened.
Sam Worthington takes on the role of Ron Lafferty, one of the more complex and troubled brothers whose path descends into violence and fanaticism. Garfield embodies Detective Jeb Pyre, a character conceived for the series who investigates the horrifying murder within the group. Jeb’s perspective exposes the underlying tensions and controversies within the church, while the narrative shifts between timelines to reveal the consequences of the tragic event on both the family and their close-knit religious community.
Andrew Garfield’s Intense Portrayal Anchors the Series
While the entire cast delivers remarkable performances, Andrew Garfield’s role as Detective Jeb Pyre stands out as the emotional center of the show. In its review, Collider emphasized that Garfield’s performance
“enables us to see every changing feeling that Jeb experiences coursing through him,”
capturing the detective’s internal conflict as he balances his upbringing with the disturbing truths uncovered during the investigation.
Throughout the series, Jeb grapples with recognizing the misogyny and hypocrisy entrenched in the church, forcing him to question his own convictions. Garfield conveys this turmoil with both intensity and vulnerability, making his character’s journey relatable and thought-provoking. His interactions with Adelaide Clemens, who plays his wife, and Gil Birmingham, portraying Jeb’s colleague, add layers of genuine emotion and realism rarely seen in true-crime dramas.
Sam Worthington Delivers a Powerful Take on a Troubled Character
Sam Worthington’s portrayal of Ron Lafferty reveals the chaotic breakdown of a man overwhelmed by fundamentalist beliefs. His depiction captures Ron’s restless struggle to control his life, which manifests through aggressive and destructive behavior. This nuanced performance avoids stereotypical portrayals of abusive or traditional family roles, instead offering a haunting look into the psychological unraveling of a man whose choices lead the family down a tragic path.
Worthington’s ability to imbue Ron with depth and complexity makes his character’s decline both convincing and unsettling, reinforcing the series’ exploration of how extremism can consume individuals and devastate communities.
Critical Reception and Series Availability
Upon release, Under the Banner of Heaven earned strong acclaim for its storytelling and performances, currently holding an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series is recommended for viewers who appreciate gripping true-crime narratives that dive into faith, family, and violence. Above all, it showcases the impressive range of actors like Andrew Garfield and Sam Worthington in tackling deeply challenging and multifaceted roles.
Under the Banner of Heaven is available for streaming on Hulu in the United States.
