Louis Theroux recently took a week-long journey back to Topeka, Kansas, for his follow-up documentary The Most Hated Family in America. While there, he spent time with the Westboro Baptist Church and their controversial picketing of various communities. On these pickets, the Phelps family can be seen holding offensive placards and shouting out slogans that are offensive to many people.
Five years on from Louis’s last visit to the church, there have been several defections from the family which has had an impact on the church’s morale and solidarity. This is evident in the documentary as Louis follows them through their activities. He interviews members of the church on a range of topics and gets insight into what drives them to carry out such divisive behavior.
The documentary gives a fascinating look at one of the most contentious issues of our time – intolerance towards minority groups – as Louis spends time with those who practice it and try to understand their motivations. It is an emotionally charged watch as he captures both sides of this argument in vivid detail. It’s a must-see documentary for anyone interested in religious extremism or anyone just looking to gain insight into how people become so devoted to their beliefs that they are willing to go against societal norms in order to spread them. Watch this insightful examination of radicalism today!
