ever since Chris opened up about being raised as a Jehovah's Witness, he's mentioned it more in his vids. Glad he feels like he can be his authentic self to his audience
Agreed, though it sucks that I still see so many naive teenagers in the comments every now and then calling him a sellout and whining about how he doesn't do negative reviews anymore like he's not an adult that has better things to do than feed on negativity. What a bunch of dweebs amirght?
Former witness here: One of the reasons the religion is a cult isn't just because they have strict rules and the typical "us and them" vibe. When you're a witness you're not allowed to criticise anything from the religion. Not even as a joke. You MUST say only nice things about it. The religion infests every aspect of your life, your entertainment, your habits, your sex life, your relationships, your family, your friends. There is NOTHING it doesn't set rules for and enforce them. Sure, you're free to leave anytime, just know you're displeasing God and he will kill you when the time comes and also all of your friends of family (including parents) will never speak to you again and no one will help you out there but good luck, have a great time. Its fucking cruel honestly especially to do that to young kids raised in it that don't know anything else.
It truly is a cult. There is no option for reconciliation without re-indoctrinating oneself or putting on yet another mask and repeating a cycle of lies and regret. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be 17 and face exactly what I did last year(I have some friends who went through just that who are doing about as good as you’d expect) It’s inhumane. The public image they put fourth is far from what the internal reality is. I hate being a downer or woe is me but upon leaving despite being 24 I know little to nothing about how real life operates. You repress every emotion outside of guilt, grief and regret. And it feels like starting from phase one because you have nothing remaining from the little bit of joy you had from those you cared about. And you now have to evaluate what do you really believe, how do I make people truly enjoy my company and not just stay around me because I’m part of the same group and they had no other option, move on and grow without letting it drag me down further than before. We could all go on and on but you lose everything in the fastest most painful way imaginable. I’m lucky to be alive and have the support of my wife but the void left behind from the 15 years prior will always be there regardless of growth. It’s deeper than most not part of it can really grasp.
That sounds terrible. What does bother me though is that so many people think that all religions revolving around God are like this. Catholicism or Christianity isn’t like this. I can’t speak for other types but I have never experienced this craziness growing up as a Christian.
@@aidey8mph605 the problem then becomes a family to family issue. I’ve had many friends of many Christian denominations who have been shunned in some way shape or form. Not to the same extent but just for simply not believing. It isn’t just JW’s but them, sceientologists, Mormons and Amish have the most severity for “going against the grain” It’s more prevalent in these ones because the control is much more focused on. But it subtly exists in other denominations even some catholic households. I’m glad if it isn’t your belief, you families or church, etc. but it’s out there. The jws just over reach and once you have come from that it’s nearly impossible not to notice similarities and to outright ignore religion as whole due to the same brush being used on a different canvas. Not arguing or trying to be disrespectful but just my observations since I can do nothing but observe and learn at this point
@@bradleywilliams1323 yeah sadly your 100% correct from my perspective, I always wanted to maybe get back into going to church and being part of a community but every time I go to church I feel so unwanted and uncomfortable that aim going to question too many parts of the belief system and I’m not going to fit in.
I grew up being raised as a witness and am currently not but my family is. I feel like calling it a cult is a stretch. While they are very strict I do have more respect for them because they practice what they preach more than other more popular religions. And this notion of not being able to question anything is wrong. Maybe in your family they were more stringent but when I was studying as a teenager I always questioned there beliefs and still have debates with my family about certain things.
Chris you changed my life last year. And I haven't thanked you, so, I want to genuinely say, THANK YOU. Im a creative person just like you. My favorite thing in the world is film music, and playing piano. But growing up as a JW (and a toxic unhealthy family) I was too overcome with grief and depression for my intelligence to overcome the cloud of agony I was in. When I saw you speak up about leaving the witnesses, I was still "in" but questioning. Thankfully, your JW testimony gave me the courage and curiosity to go further with my questions....and instead of "waiting on Jehovah" to do nothing (as my elders advised in response to my questions) I discovered myself. I found that I was indeed intelligent enough to call out the BS I had been served all my life. I finally started listening to myself. Within myself, there was an immense wall of questions and criticisms about the teachings from Watchtower that I had previously been too distracted, and traumatized to confront. The years of trauma, guilt, betrayal, abandonment, shunning (DF'd twice), and abuse I suffered from ages 12-30 could now be addressed. I'm now on my healing journey. I'm seeing a therapist regularly now and I finally have a chance at life. My family too has been affected by my exit. My sister is leaving. My 5 other family members might follow soon. Maybe even my extended family. Words alone can't convey the thanks I owe you. You are a beautiful genuine soul. Much love to you, your loved ones, and your journey. Thank you.
Awesome! Good for you - you figured it out. I had to learn the hard way. I got the boot and only figured it out once I experienced the shunning and massive hypocrisy and cruelty that goes along with it. The good news is that we're both out. I hope your life keeps getting better and better! I know mine has :)
@@SusanGaskin I don't think it's important how one figures out the truth about the truth. What matters is you had integrity to leave, and now you have an opportunity to leave all of that behind. Your time is YOURS now. Don't blame yourself or be self effacing because you were caught up in it for a long time. I was a reader even as a young kid. I TRIED to research the WT society from an early age. But I was programmed to not trust the internet....and it held me back in my own intuitive suspicions. I held on to fears and suspicions about the society for years because it was buried under years of trauma. It's insane how learning to "endure" pain and dysfunctional family members stunts your reasoning and your sense of sovereignty. It took me a long time before my questions breached out of me and moved me to do solid research. Sadly my reputation as a JW was already destroyed by the time I was 20 (even though I've always been a very good person/moral guy) I was disfellowshipped twice and reinstated twice between the ages of 22 and 28 before I did the research...I was just desperately trying to survive. I felt like a walking corpse for over 6 years...during the prime of my youth. But it's over now. Thanks for your well wishes. I'm so glad we're both out! Freedom tastes empty at first when you exit that life alone with hardly any prospects. But anyone can restart, begin again, and find their reasons to live. It just takes time, curiosity, and determination to see life for all of the possibilities it offers. 🥰☺️
Reading this a year after your touching post. I’m invested and was hoping for an update. Cheers to you and how you’ve taken your life back. (((HugsFromOklahoma)))
Growing up a witness myself, and exiting, I’m so glad there’s movies like this coming out. Thanks for reviewing films like these and I can’t wait to watch!
I was highly moved by your brave and honest video on breaking free from your religious upbringing Chris. It was one of the catalysts to me coming out publicly myself as bisexual and truly starting my life. I’ve always held you in high regard for your fantastic reviews and as you become the filmmaker you were meant to be, I’ve watched and listened and my music career is finally blossoming and I’m experiencing happiness for the first time. You were there for my sobriety and your words inspired me to search deeper in myself for what I was truly meant for. Thank you Chris.
Yo Chris, you’re a big inspiration and I deeply appreciate your openness about your life as well as your wisdom about movie watching AND making! You’re one of the biggest reasons I got into film (we need a another book) and your coming out about your life story happened around the same time I decided to become agnostic, so it was great to see another real human being tackle some of the very real issues inherent to many religions, as well as the process of understanding your identity, so thank you 🤝
You need to study and research the Holy Bible and seek Jesus, not flawed si ful people like Stuckmann. Look up preachers on You Tube like Justin Peter's, Jeff Durbin, John MacArthur, Paul Waahet.
As someone who studied in the Jehovah Witness faith for a man that I liked, I hope I have access to this movie soon. I really never thought I'd hear of something so closely tailored to that type of experience because God damn is it an experience.
I’d be curious to check this out as a former Witness myself. Sounds like it avoids being melodramatic, which helps make the impact more realistic than the average Lifetime flick
As a disfellowshipped former JW and filmmaker, this beyond resonates with me. The freedom to express who I am now without fear only enhances my storytelling and excites me to explore subject matter I can relate to. I, too, was raised "in the truth," so it's really incredible to see a movie like this and I can't wait to check this out!!
Question. Former JW are still believers...meaning they are still people of faith but select not be religious (affiliated to any religious) Or they become altogether atheists?
@@mikejunior211 - That's of course different from person to person. Some might remain baseline Christian, some might lose all faith, some might be agnostic or even find a JW-adjacent faith to adopt. I wouldn't wonder if many former JW members will start to recognize the indoctrination in all religions and stay away from it completely.
This is for Chris. Ever since you’ve opened up about your living as a Jehovah’s Witness, I did a lot of research about that. It made me want to write a script (that I’m currently writing) and want to adapt into a no-budget film, and I’m only 15 (turning 16 soon). Chris, thank you for inspiring me to share a story that I regularly don’t hear and it inspires me to share it out. It rarely happens, and I hope you’re living a great, healthy life.
I was born and raised a JW. I was baptized. I’ve been disfellowshiped for almost a decade. I need to watch this movie. Thank you for bringing this to my attention Chris. We are among a very small group of people who “get it.” Unless you were raised that way. We’re a part of it. Dedicated to it as a child by well intentioned parents who have also unfortunately been mislead and conditioned to these beliefs there is no way you can possibly understand the things we have to go through ever single day. Dealing with loved ones who refuse to even acknowledge our existence. I’m lucky. My parents haven’t disowned me as many have. But that’s cause in most cases I keep my mouth shut. It is so brave for you to go out in a limb the way you do cause there are so many more like me who are afraid to say what we truly believe. I don’t want my parents to never talk to me again. So around them I try my hardest to keep the peace and not say anything negative about The Witnesses. Luckily my wife is not a JW so I’m free to talk to her all I want. But even she can not completely understand. Only people like you can truly understand what we have to go through. Friends who were practically family who won’t even friend you on Facebook or say I to you while walking down the street. People who have known me sense I was a baby. People who babysitted me with their kids. I know you know how I feel. After 10 years I’ve pretty much moved on. But deep down inside I know you know the hurt and the scars that are still there. It feels good just to let this stuff out to someone else who knows. Thanks for being a conduit for those like us to see that we are not alone. Love you bro. Honestly. I love anyone who has been through the things I have. And I look up to those few like you who have the guts to go all out there and admit it to the public. Cause I KNOW what it costs you. I am one of the few out there that TRUELY knows. Having your parents see you as worse than a child molester just because you talk bad about a religion you don’t agree with. Any many people may think this is an exaggeration. But it’s not. They believe that child molesters can be forgiven by God and brought back into the fold. But someone who badmouths the JW religion in public will never be forgiven by God. So thanks for everything you do and for being so brave.
Thank you so much for reviewing this movie. As someone who is trans and queer and was a 3rd gen JW baptised at 15, I am very keen to see this movie. I left in my early 20s but was POMI (physically out mentally in) until just about 5 years ago and I'm in my 50s now. The insidious way that the teachings of JWs make you feel wrong, dirty, and "less than" is so hard to explain to never-JWs. Exmos and some other ex members of high control religious groups get also "get" it too. Your comment about movies finally being made about JWs is so true. Plus it's essential that filmmakers get the detail right, otherwise JWs just dismiss everything as incorrect and "apostate propoganda". But well made and accurate movies are needed to lift the lid about the truth of living as a JW. My generation never has this, which I'm sad about because I wasted so many years living in a fugue state. Thanks - I look forward to watching this.
What a unique review! I’ll need to check this one out. Films that cover a niche topic with intimate knowledge are always fascinating to me. Thank you for recommending something to expand my world view!
I'm so happy that you're able to review and talk about movies like these and the subject matter here. I was raised in the pentecostal church and I see a lot of parallels between your story and mine - as a queer woman who left the church, You Can Live Forever might feel a little too close to home bc I'm still processing some trauma from the religious brainwashing I experienced -- but your review and your praise for this movie gives me hope that I'll be able to watch this movie one day. I appreciate you and I love your channel!
@@ardie72 that’s an interesting suggestion, but you don’t learn about sarcasm in a philosophy class, that’s better reserved to a psychology, linguistic, or even English course - I teach a college literature course, maybe if you read a good book you’d spend less time reading RUclips comments and getting pressed
I'm so happy you got out, Chris. I can't imagine a world without you doing videos like this. I don't know if many people really understand how utterly SCARY it can be to stand up to your religious peers, family, and friends. Especially if you don't have all of the answers yet and they start coming at you with arguments based on centuries (in some cases) of time-tested dogma. It can be terrifying. Not to mention losing your support network. So again, thank you for being a shining example to those who are thinking about getting out of religious circles. Especially if you’re an LGBTQ person. You WILL survive. Thanks, buddy. 😎🤘☮️❤️🌈 EDIT: fixed spelling
I am a Christian but have no love or respect for the JW and Watchtower Society. I have been treated like crap by JWs and can't imagine what it was like to grow up in that faith. But I can relate that I have been to some toxic Christian churches too.
I grew up as a jw. Now im more of a nihilist. Incredibly stressed and riddled with guilt because in the back of my mind im wondering if i stole the chance of paradise from my kids. Stressed that when combined with my ocd doesnt help that much. Me not being in such a strict -chapter- (i had nowhere near the same restrictions as the ones you mentioned) makes this harder... Im definitely watching this movie. Anyway, i love you and all the work you've done through the years. You are an inspiration.
A prophecy that fails means a false prophet. The JW'S have declared so many false prophecies over the years, it has invalidated itself as a truthful and chosen church. In other words, they are exactly what they SAY not to follow, they are false prophets. So clear that doubt out of your mind when in comes to your kids. If there is a paradise, JW is not the way to attain it. The fact you feel guilty for your kids means you have a great and deep love for them, a lot more love than the JW who rely on fear, guilt, pain and punishment to keep their members in line. Remember, the Jesus of the gospels preached love to everyone, he didn't guilt people, ask for money, shun people that didn't follow him or harass people to follow him. He didn't persecute people or vilify people. He criticised the priests and rabbis for hypocrisy but he did have a point. He just said his sermons. My advice is just follow the sensible parts of the Bible. Be truthful, kind, compassionate to those in need, steer clear of addictions, don't get caught up in material possessions and if you need spiritual guidance make it between you and your deity,- don't involve churches, they just want control of your life. If you still feel drawn to Christianity, chuck that underlined JW bible and get a copy of the gospels - no old testament, no acts, letters etc of the new testament. At least then you are getting the words of jesus that haven't been "interpreted" to serve some horrible church.
Former witness here: This is something that really makes me happy because it needs more exposure for those who are completely depressed and unhappy dealing with being a Jehovah’s Witness. Ever since leaving I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been and honestly don’t think I would still be alive if I was still part of it. That’s with 3 suicide attempts/ self harm when I was apart of the religion. And ever since not being apart of it for 2 years no suicidal thoughts, no relapses of self harm. I don’t feel expected to reach any unrealistic expectations and now can truly be myself and now actually happy. Thanks for covering this Chris and being open about it. We need more of that from ex witnesses.
Today EXJW activism has become the most active, the most numerous, the most inspiring, the most varied, and the most dynamic of all "religious" dissidence. Today more and more JWs are leaving this hopeless cult. The more the years pass, the more this cult will become absurd. The "elastic" generation already proves it and this is only the beginning.
Thanks for the review! I can't wait to watch this movie, growing up I was always so frustrated with how JWs were depicted in TV shows or movies because they never get it right. Leaving that cult was the best decision I ever made, even if my family doesn't speak to me anymore.
Welp, I need to watch this ASAP. I've never been JW, but I was raised in a small insular Evangelical church that I stayed in for an embarrassingly long time, and have really struggled to find media and storytelling that really "gets" what that experience was like.
As a Christian (not JW) who often defends organized religion conceptually, I do think it’s important for movies like this to exist, as sometimes organized religion is done very, very wrong, and that needs to be openly acknowledged and talked about. I believe that every time God creates something for the good of mankind, Satan will always be there with a counterfeit that causes pain and misery.
@Tevor Spackman Exactly! It makes me so sad that some people have such negative depictions when it comes to Christianity(and sometimes religion in general). You hit the nail on the head, Satan is always there to destroy us and prevent us from ever knowing The Father. All that mess that happened to JWs past and present, that was humanity, not God.
At the same time, I think it’s also perfectly fair for people with painful/traumatic experience with these type of fundamentalist groups to feel apprehensive about religion in general. If that’s a boundary they need for the sake of their mental health and well being, I think it’s important to respect that boundary.
Yes. I am orthodox Christian. Criticism of my faith is important because it a) helps to improve ourselves and B) if you cannot take listen to good faith Criticisms of your religion then you do not have much faith in the first place
I saw it and loved it to bits! It was done beautifully. The filmmakers clearly told such a personal story with how thoughtful everything seemed to be. I am a lesbian and I grew up in a very religious household and community that allowed for very little exploration of identity, so the film resonated with me in that regard. Highly recommend!
Ex JW here: I'm very excited to see this movie!! Most people do not know the awful things about this cult. It destroyed my family and led my mother to suicide. I will forever be going to therapy for the shit this cult put me and my family through
I really hope Chris will show us footage of his movie after he’s done with editing and post production, whether it’s the first trailer or something else
this is gonna sound cheesy af, but as a disabled trans woman with religious trauma, I'm really happy and grateful to you that you exist and never gave up (even though you never owed anyone that but yourself)
It's honestly so exciting to see the increasing amount of attention on Jehovah's Witnesses' harmful practices. There's a substantial increase in activism, news coverage, things like the new Telegraph podcast 'Calling Bethel', movies such as this. It's great to see, and is so very different to when I was growing up in the organisation.
I saw this more for the lesbian romance aspect but the entire story surrounding Mareka, her faith and the almost cult-like demeanour of the other Jehovah Witnesses were very eye opening. Beautiful film!
Chris just want to say you been an inspiration to me and I’m in film school hope to be a film critic and or an editor and you been a huge influence on that just want to say thank you man
As an exmormon I find myself obsessed with your takes, and love when you talk about this stuff. You're so right about brainwashing being individual and kind of abstract, it all happens so fast and so slowly and all going on inside of you. A faith crisis isn't something that happens in a moment, it's a lifetime of pain and confusion that leads to you hoping there could be something better.
@@BrazoFuerteProd good luck to you in your journey. It isn't an easy one. I was excommunicated about a decade ago and I'm still just learning to figure it all out. Be kind to yourself and don't allow yourself to be swept up by something else until you find out what the real ground feels like.
To be honest, as a son of a disfellowshipped mother, when I saw “(Jehovah’s Witness Drama)” I first assumed it was a movie made by the church as propaganda, like how they do Caleb & Sophia for kids. I’ll have to check this film out.
Never been in the JW faith, but know a few people that are and they are very normal and really happy. Whatever my views are on all kinds of faith, it’s important to remember not to tar all individuals with the same brush. Would be interesting to see more characters in film from JW who aren’t portrayed as cult members, but as the normal people they are for better or worse.
I have family members and friends who are also very happy and they were at rock bottom before they were introduced. I agree with you 100%. Thank you for this comment.
I feel the same way. I got out at 16-17. I’m almost 52 now. Both my sister and my aunt on my father’s side were disfellowshipped. My mother refused to speak to either of them, even when my aunt was dying from cancer. Now my mom is in an elderly care facility and wishes my sister would contact her 🙄.
Well, Chris said it all, he's not a film critic anymore since he became a director. I will now maidenly retreat to my chamber, wishing him all the best of luck, and I'll make sure to watch Shelby Oaks!
I went through a similar experience as you did Chris. I pretty much lost my childhood and went through some pretty traumatizing experiences. I was disfellowshipped as a teenager when I was in high school and the effect it had on me and my entire family was really bad. The absolute shame I felt and the shame I felt I brought onto my family was hard and I don't think they really understand the kind of pain they put people through. So when you talk about it, I feel you. Not sure if you watched the interview Leah Remini had with other scientologists and Jehovah's Witnesses but it was the first I could remember where people were able to voice the trauma they went through because of the religion. I highly recommend you watch it if you haven't. Powerful stuff. I can't wait to watch this. Thank you for reviewing it.
As a Dane the way I first learned about Johovah's witness was by being shown the movie "Worlds apart 2008" (to verdener) in class at school. I watched it again last year and it's quite good. It's probably the danish language movie about JW but we were lucky that it was make so early. I recommend finding it with subtitles if you wanna see another JW movie.
I absolutely loved that film. To Verdener was very close to home as an ex JW. My parents broke up my relationship with my first love - something you never get over but learn to live with. Anything that shows how cruel that is in any religion or community will hopefully help people to feel less alone with their pain and hope that you can build a good life on the outside.
I grew up in that religion. I struggled with doubts and questions from a young age. Like by 10 I was full of unanswered questions, but also I loved my parents and feared losing them. I got baptized at 11 years old and immediately regretted it. By the time I was 15 I was depressed and checked out mentally at the meetings. By 17 I had discovered people like George Carlin, Christopher Hitchens, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Richard Dawkins etc. And the floodgates burst the dam of indoctrination. I read science and philosophy voraciously behind my families back. I read the bible cover to cover and picked it apart. By the time I was 20 I was having multi hour long debates with street preachers and even witnesses at my college campus. I avoided voicing my new knowledge and disagreements at home and at the kingdom hall but I would have silent debates with the speakers in my head. Sharpening my oratory knives. When I would give parts in the kingdom hall, I added just enough subversive material to make people think and ask questions. Always phrasing it within the parameters of acceptable JW teaching. But pushing just enough. Later on friends from the kingdom hall who disassociated thanked me for making them question and doubt. That's the happiest memory I have of anything connected to the JWs. When you opened up about this it was both surprising (I followed your videos for years before you came out as ex-JW) but also super refreshing. That someone I like and admire and whose opinion on movies I value has this sort of kinship with me. That we grew up listening to the same nonsense and got out. Made me really happy and I hope this movie helps others get out and keep others from falling prey.
I saw the film a few days ago at a film festival and it was remarkable. While films are only a shaded reflective of reality, I can only imagine what it would be like to live through the trials displayed in the film in real life
I am not a Jehovah's Witness, but I was raised as one and a lot of my family are still very much a part of the faith. For this reason, I was really glad that the film didn't demonize the whole religion and depict the actors playing the Witnesses as evil because they are genuinely nice people who really believe this stuff. This is a beautiful film and a story that needed to be told and maybe, just maybe, it will make a few more wake up and realize that it is all just a self-reinforcing delusion!
I meet the JW cult back in the year 2000, and even after leaving it ten years ago I’m still suffering consequences for being part of it until this very day... I’m glad that movies like this are being made, so people can learn about these destructive cults and stay away from them. Hope this movie can be internationally distributed, since most of them just have a limited English release.
Thanks again and for your honesty. Watching you reminds me of watching a young Leigh Whannell doing movie reviews on Recovery as a teen. I hope to see you do as well as he did with your career.
the unfortunate thing is when you teach that to people from a young age they tend to believe it. everyone's naturally a bit scared of dying so they have a built-in fear-induced motivation for people to believe their nonsense and not question it
I am a former JW myself, I left about 5 years ago now but not necessarily because I had bad experiences with them. I was born a JW, and I never made it to being baptized and at the end I decided I didn’t want to go to meetings anymore just because I decided that it wasn’t really for me. I definitely think that many people who have left over exaggerate their experiences being a JW. It is really not that bad and it is definitely NOT a cult, it’s not for everyone, and just like every other religion out there, there are some people who are extremely religious and take it VERY seriously and others who are serious about it as well but don’t take it to the “extreme” that a lot of you guys claim. Not particularly saying these stories are made up, like I said I realize that there are some extreme families out there, but you guys make it seem like this only happens in the JW culture.
The reason you feel that way is because you were never baptized and disfellowshipped when you decided to leave. Having all of your friends and family cut you off after being disfellowshipped is a horrible experience and it leaves people without any kind of safety net, without a social circle, and left to fend for themselves. This makes it much harder for baptized witnesses to exit the cult - it is *ABSOLUTELY* a cult, by the way, as it fits the definition to a T. You were lucky to get out before you were baptized or you'd be saying the same things so many others are. JWs ruined my life and I will never forgive them or the mindless drones that follow them.
Jehovah’s Witness placed around Gaslamp area of San Diego for Comic Con this weekend. Same with the “YOU’RE GOING TO HELL” cultists. SDCC is back in almost full force 😂😂
I used to attend Jehovahs Witness meetings as a kid. And the question, "Would you like to live forever?" Is a common one that JW's ask when going door to door.
Straight male here. Absolutely loved this film. The chemistry, the writing, the score. Boy, they really got everything right. A pure delight. Don't miss it.
Height of respect for you. Been a subscriber for a long time. You're always a class act and I'll look forward to watching this film despite both the perceived right and wrong reasons. Be well.
My bf was raised JW and his family still is. He isn't in the faith any longer but has not outright announced it to his family in fear of never speaking with them again. I was raised to be free thinking so I don't understand what ya'll have gone through at all. I love movies like this that can help me better understand what other people have gone through and I think its a fantastic outlet for those people to tell their story in a very heartfelt and real way.
Hey, Chris, just wanted to let you know, I fairly recently took your recommendation and watched Apostasy on Amazon Prime (I’ve also seen and read The Children Act). That, along with your content discussing your upbringing as a JW, has just opened my eyes to the cult-like practices and mentalities that this ‘religion’ pushes on its followers, and tries to persuade outsiders to adapt as well. It’s genuinely scary, and as someone who isn’t religious, it makes me feel so sad for people like you, who’ve gone through so much in the process of coming of age and having dreams that aren’t accepted by your elders, and in leaving the faith. I hope you are doing much better now (which, it seems to be the case), and my best wishes to you, your filmmaking career, and your family
I'm in a scarily similar situation right now Chris, though both the brother and I are still in the org. Both pioneers and ministerial servants. He still takes the truth seriously even though he has his own doubts. We plan to move in together to serve where the need is greater, even though part of me doesn't want to. I'm doing it for him, because I love him. He tries to find every loophole possible to try and justify our relationship. Part of me would want him to wake up and realize the truth, the same time I know it would be devastating for him since the org gives him purpose in life. It sucks. Our families look up to us so much, and I feel like I'm dragging him down with me. We want such a simple thing, but it's too much to ask for. I don't know what will become of us. I hope for the best but I'm scared. Thanks for bringing this subject up. Feels less hopeless remaining in the shadows. -- JC
Just did a quick google search and this one is really flying under the radar. Definitely want to check it out but any idea on theater or streaming release dates and locations❓
@ Peter Martin.... with Google as your search engine, of course it's "flying under the radar".... Big Tech media is terminally biased against such things....
As a Muslim who is mostly liberal. I studied my religion in detail and proud of it. What I am not proud is when people force their beliefs on other people. Just because a religion is strict, it should not be forced on other people. My religion has made this every clear. The problem arises when people force their beliefs on others no matter what religion you belong to. We are human beings and we all make mistakes and commit sins. It is between me and my God not that I have to answer to someone else.
Look forward to seeing it. I dated someone who is, maybe still is, a JW. I got a front row seat on what it means to be a JW. I was Catholic and was surprised/shocked to find out more about their religious beliefs and customs. There was definitely brainwashing, a very cultish like feeling. She secretly had friends who were POMO's, even though she wasn't supposed to have contact with them. I wasn't supposed to exist. She and I weren't supposed to date. For the longest time she tried to convert me to make it right with her family. You'd think it wouldn't been a big problem, trade one religion for another, but I already had doubts about my own religious beliefs. I didn't need more baggage. In the end religion won, they killed our love, just wore it down until we gave up. I heard she married a JW.
I actually hated Marika at first, I thought she was sending mix signals to Jaime. I thought so too at the end that Marika was just confused just like what Jaime's aunt said. But then I realized that Marika was raised in an environment where her religion is all she has. As much as she loves Jaime, it must be scary for her to picture out a future without the religion she was raised in. And the ending just hit me, after all those years she still thought about Jaime and will never gonna let go of her.
Dude Chris, 🤦🏾♂️ i’ve got chills bro 😎. But in all seriousness…… I got a wait to watch the rest of it but just the preview of it is killing me I love this video thank you for making this video
You talking about seeing these things you know so well and have experienced yourself, is exactly why representation matters for all of us. I hope to see your JW film someday.
Remember cults is nothing like portrayed in movies. Signs that you are in a cult is: Group requests that you only be friends, date or marry the members. If you disagree or want to leave after becoming a member, the other members are encourage not to talk to you. Which makes a person feel isolated. They lost all their friends, so they fall in line. Usually higher education is discouraged. There are many more examples, but if you are in a religious group of any size that does any of the above, then you might be in a cult.
@ChrisStuckmann I am not sure if this will be tagged or not. Might have had an account for a long time but I still don't know how RUclips works. But I just wanted to let you know that I remembered seeing this video when it was released and it stuck with me (no pun intended) that I wanted to watch this movie. I have tried looking for it through the normal avenues but was not lucky enough to find it. But I was able to find it on a website and I just finished watching it and I have to admit that this was without a doubt one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen and I look forward to seeing more from this director and from these actors in the future. For the last year or so, this movie and this video have been on my mind and after watching it I have to admit that I realized why I only go to your movie reviews or discussions on movies because you talk about movies in a way that the viewer can relate to, instead of talking about them in a way that can be seen as elitist. I am not sure how you will read this because frankly even with my autism it is hard for me to really write things that don't sound rude or anything. I just wanted you to know that I truly appreciate your views on movies and tend to see movies based on your reviews or discussions on them. You do an amazing job and I just wanted you to know that I truly appreciate finding your channel and truly appreciate everything you do. Thank you for everything you do and thank you for being there for at least me when I need an escape from the world. Thank you, Chris, I just wanted you to know this.
I stopped praying to Jehovah YEARS ago after I realized I didn't need to anymore lol. I left that religion years ago too. It is a CULT! THS video makes me consider doing a video about my experience as a JW.
I’m disfellowshiped and I recently went to a relatives funeral and some of the witnesses there wouldn’t even shake my hand, I’m so glad that JW. Borg is getting more exposed
ever since Chris opened up about being raised as a Jehovah's Witness, he's mentioned it more in his vids. Glad he feels like he can be his authentic self to his audience
Fun fact:
If Black Panther is mentioned anywhere people would cry and will start criticizing it's CGI
@Don't read profile photo okay I won’t
Agreed, though it sucks that I still see so many naive teenagers in the comments every now and then calling him a sellout and whining about how he doesn't do negative reviews anymore like he's not an adult that has better things to do than feed on negativity. What a bunch of dweebs amirght?
YES! I noticed that too. Its beautiful
What the fuck!?!
Former witness here:
One of the reasons the religion is a cult isn't just because they have strict rules and the typical "us and them" vibe. When you're a witness you're not allowed to criticise anything from the religion. Not even as a joke. You MUST say only nice things about it. The religion infests every aspect of your life, your entertainment, your habits, your sex life, your relationships, your family, your friends. There is NOTHING it doesn't set rules for and enforce them.
Sure, you're free to leave anytime, just know you're displeasing God and he will kill you when the time comes and also all of your friends of family (including parents) will never speak to you again and no one will help you out there but good luck, have a great time.
Its fucking cruel honestly especially to do that to young kids raised in it that don't know anything else.
It truly is a cult. There is no option for reconciliation without re-indoctrinating oneself or putting on yet another mask and repeating a cycle of lies and regret. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be 17 and face exactly what I did last year(I have some friends who went through just that who are doing about as good as you’d expect) It’s inhumane. The public image they put fourth is far from what the internal reality is.
I hate being a downer or woe is me but upon leaving despite being 24 I know little to nothing about how real life operates. You repress every emotion outside of guilt, grief and regret. And it feels like starting from phase one because you have nothing remaining from the little bit of joy you had from those you cared about. And you now have to evaluate what do you really believe, how do I make people truly enjoy my company and not just stay around me because I’m part of the same group and they had no other option, move on and grow without letting it drag me down further than before.
We could all go on and on but you lose everything in the fastest most painful way imaginable. I’m lucky to be alive and have the support of my wife but the void left behind from the 15 years prior will always be there regardless of growth. It’s deeper than most not part of it can really grasp.
That sounds terrible. What does bother me though is that so many people think that all religions revolving around God are like this. Catholicism or Christianity isn’t like this. I can’t speak for other types but I have never experienced this craziness growing up as a Christian.
@@aidey8mph605 the problem then becomes a family to family issue. I’ve had many friends of many Christian denominations who have been shunned in some way shape or form. Not to the same extent but just for simply not believing. It isn’t just JW’s but them, sceientologists, Mormons and Amish have the most severity for “going against the grain” It’s more prevalent in these ones because the control is much more focused on. But it subtly exists in other denominations even some catholic households. I’m glad if it isn’t your belief, you families or church, etc. but it’s out there. The jws just over reach and once you have come from that it’s nearly impossible not to notice similarities and to outright ignore religion as whole due to the same brush being used on a different canvas. Not arguing or trying to be disrespectful but just my observations since I can do nothing but observe and learn at this point
@@bradleywilliams1323 yeah sadly your 100% correct from my perspective, I always wanted to maybe get back into going to church and being part of a community but every time I go to church I feel so unwanted and uncomfortable that aim going to question too many parts of the belief system and I’m not going to fit in.
I grew up being raised as a witness and am currently not but my family is. I feel like calling it a cult is a stretch. While they are very strict I do have more respect for them because they practice what they preach more than other more popular religions. And this notion of not being able to question anything is wrong. Maybe in your family they were more stringent but when I was studying as a teenager I always questioned there beliefs and still have debates with my family about certain things.
Chris you changed my life last year. And I haven't thanked you, so, I want to genuinely say, THANK YOU. Im a creative person just like you. My favorite thing in the world is film music, and playing piano. But growing up as a JW (and a toxic unhealthy family) I was too overcome with grief and depression for my intelligence to overcome the cloud of agony I was in. When I saw you speak up about leaving the witnesses, I was still "in" but questioning.
Thankfully, your JW testimony gave me the courage and curiosity to go further with my questions....and instead of "waiting on Jehovah" to do nothing (as my elders advised in response to my questions) I discovered myself. I found that I was indeed intelligent enough to call out the BS I had been served all my life. I finally started listening to myself. Within myself, there was an immense wall of questions and criticisms about the teachings from Watchtower that I had previously been too distracted, and traumatized to confront. The years of trauma, guilt, betrayal, abandonment, shunning (DF'd twice), and abuse I suffered from ages 12-30 could now be addressed. I'm now on my healing journey.
I'm seeing a therapist regularly now and I finally have a chance at life. My family too has been affected by my exit. My sister is leaving. My 5 other family members might follow soon. Maybe even my extended family. Words alone can't convey the thanks I owe you. You are a beautiful genuine soul. Much love to you, your loved ones, and your journey. Thank you.
Awesome! Good for you - you figured it out. I had to learn the hard way. I got the boot and only figured it out once I experienced the shunning and massive hypocrisy and cruelty that goes along with it. The good news is that we're both out. I hope your life keeps getting better and better! I know mine has :)
@@SusanGaskin I don't think it's important how one figures out the truth about the truth. What matters is you had integrity to leave, and now you have an opportunity to leave all of that behind. Your time is YOURS now. Don't blame yourself or be self effacing because you were caught up in it for a long time. I was a reader even as a young kid. I TRIED to research the WT society from an early age. But I was programmed to not trust the internet....and it held me back in my own intuitive suspicions. I held on to fears and suspicions about the society for years because it was buried under years of trauma. It's insane how learning to "endure" pain and dysfunctional family members stunts your reasoning and your sense of sovereignty. It took me a long time before my questions breached out of me and moved me to do solid research. Sadly my reputation as a JW was already destroyed by the time I was 20 (even though I've always been a very good person/moral guy) I was disfellowshipped twice and reinstated twice between the ages of 22 and 28 before I did the research...I was just desperately trying to survive. I felt like a walking corpse for over 6 years...during the prime of my youth.
But it's over now. Thanks for your well wishes. I'm so glad we're both out! Freedom tastes empty at first when you exit that life alone with hardly any prospects. But anyone can restart, begin again, and find their reasons to live. It just takes time, curiosity, and determination to see life for all of the possibilities it offers. 🥰☺️
Reading this a year after your touching post. I’m invested and was hoping for an update. Cheers to you and how you’ve taken your life back. (((HugsFromOklahoma)))
Growing up a witness myself, and exiting, I’m so glad there’s movies like this coming out. Thanks for reviewing films like these and I can’t wait to watch!
I was highly moved by your brave and honest video on breaking free from your religious upbringing Chris. It was one of the catalysts to me coming out publicly myself as bisexual and truly starting my life. I’ve always held you in high regard for your fantastic reviews and as you become the filmmaker you were meant to be, I’ve watched and listened and my music career is finally blossoming and I’m experiencing happiness for the first time.
You were there for my sobriety and your words inspired me to search deeper in myself for what I was truly meant for.
Thank you Chris.
Chris, if you ever need a former JW as an actor for your future movie, I swear I will drop everything and come straight to you
Yo Chris, you’re a big inspiration and I deeply appreciate your openness about your life as well as your wisdom about movie watching AND making! You’re one of the biggest reasons I got into film (we need a another book) and your coming out about your life story happened around the same time I decided to become agnostic, so it was great to see another real human being tackle some of the very real issues inherent to many religions, as well as the process of understanding your identity, so thank you 🤝
I am waiting for Northman review
You need to study and research the Holy Bible and seek Jesus, not flawed si ful people like Stuckmann.
Look up preachers on You Tube like Justin Peter's, Jeff Durbin, John MacArthur, Paul Waahet.
As someone who studied in the Jehovah Witness faith for a man that I liked, I hope I have access to this movie soon. I really never thought I'd hear of something so closely tailored to that type of experience because God damn is it an experience.
Straight to hell
Can't even imagine what that must of been kind , going though ...
So glad you’re being represented Chris. Every video you make is different and it inspires me to no end.
I’d be curious to check this out as a former Witness myself. Sounds like it avoids being melodramatic, which helps make the impact more realistic than the average Lifetime flick
As a disfellowshipped former JW and filmmaker, this beyond resonates with me. The freedom to express who I am now without fear only enhances my storytelling and excites me to explore subject matter I can relate to. I, too, was raised "in the truth," so it's really incredible to see a movie like this and I can't wait to check this out!!
Question. Former JW are still believers...meaning they are still people of faith but select not be religious (affiliated to any religious) Or they become altogether atheists?
beyond resonates you say? 🤣
@@mikejunior211 - That's of course different from person to person. Some might remain baseline Christian, some might lose all faith, some might be agnostic or even find a JW-adjacent faith to adopt. I wouldn't wonder if many former JW members will start to recognize the indoctrination in all religions and stay away from it completely.
Have you seen "Apostasy"? It seems to get many things right, and they even filmed it in a former Kingdom Hall.
@@thursoberwick1948 No! But now I'll have to add it to my list...
This is for Chris. Ever since you’ve opened up about your living as a Jehovah’s Witness, I did a lot of research about that. It made me want to write a script (that I’m currently writing) and want to adapt into a no-budget film, and I’m only 15 (turning 16 soon). Chris, thank you for inspiring me to share a story that I regularly don’t hear and it inspires me to share it out. It rarely happens, and I hope you’re living a great, healthy life.
I was born and raised a JW. I was baptized. I’ve been disfellowshiped for almost a decade. I need to watch this movie. Thank you for bringing this to my attention Chris. We are among a very small group of people who “get it.” Unless you were raised
that way. We’re a part of it. Dedicated to it as a child by well intentioned parents who have also unfortunately been mislead and conditioned to these beliefs there is no way you can possibly understand the things we have to go through ever single day. Dealing with loved ones who refuse to even acknowledge our existence. I’m lucky. My parents haven’t disowned me as many have. But that’s cause in most cases I keep my mouth shut. It is so brave for you to go out in a limb the way you do cause there are so many more like me who are afraid to say what we truly believe. I don’t want my parents to never talk to me again. So around them I try my hardest to keep the peace and not say anything negative about The Witnesses. Luckily my wife is not a JW so I’m free to talk to her all I want. But even she can not completely understand. Only people like you can truly understand what we have to go through. Friends who were practically family who won’t even friend you on Facebook or say I to you while walking down the street. People who have known me sense I was a baby. People who babysitted me with their kids. I know you know how I feel. After 10 years I’ve pretty much moved on. But deep down inside I know you know the hurt and the scars that are still there. It feels good just to let this stuff out to someone else who knows. Thanks for being a conduit for those like us to see that we are not alone. Love you bro. Honestly. I love anyone who has been through the things I have. And I look up to those few like you who have the guts to go all out there and admit it to the public. Cause I KNOW what it costs you. I am one of the few out there that TRUELY knows. Having your parents see you as worse than a child molester just because you talk
bad about a religion you don’t agree with. Any many people may think this is an
exaggeration. But it’s not. They believe that child molesters can be forgiven by God and brought back into the fold. But someone who badmouths the JW religion in public will never be forgiven by God. So thanks for everything you do and for being so brave.
You’re not alone
I really feel you.
Thank you so much for reviewing this movie. As someone who is trans and queer and was a 3rd gen JW baptised at 15, I am very keen to see this movie. I left in my early 20s but was POMI (physically out mentally in) until just about 5 years ago and I'm in my 50s now. The insidious way that the teachings of JWs make you feel wrong, dirty, and "less than" is so hard to explain to never-JWs. Exmos and some other ex members of high control religious groups get also "get" it too. Your comment about movies finally being made about JWs is so true. Plus it's essential that filmmakers get the detail right, otherwise JWs just dismiss everything as incorrect and "apostate propoganda". But well made and accurate movies are needed to lift the lid about the truth of living as a JW. My generation never has this, which I'm sad about because I wasted so many years living in a fugue state. Thanks - I look forward to watching this.
What a unique review! I’ll need to check this one out. Films that cover a niche topic with intimate knowledge are always fascinating to me. Thank you for recommending something to expand my world view!
There were gross misrepresentations of the religion in the movie. So be careful. A lot of it was pretty accurate though.
I'm so happy that you're able to review and talk about movies like these and the subject matter here. I was raised in the pentecostal church and I see a lot of parallels between your story and mine - as a queer woman who left the church, You Can Live Forever might feel a little too close to home bc I'm still processing some trauma from the religious brainwashing I experienced -- but your review and your praise for this movie gives me hope that I'll be able to watch this movie one day. I appreciate you and I love your channel!
You should post your life story up on a RUclips video comment section
@@ardie72 I did, it's in the original comment : ) thanks for the advice though, friend!
@@Nia-sc2wn you should also take a class in philosophy and pay attention to the topic called sarcasm...
@@ardie72 that’s an interesting suggestion, but you don’t learn about sarcasm in a philosophy class, that’s better reserved to a psychology, linguistic, or even English course - I teach a college literature course, maybe if you read a good book you’d spend less time reading RUclips comments and getting pressed
@@Nia-sc2wn wow! You are a teacher!..that's fantastic!!. Can you teach me what the definition of boasting and narcissism means?..
Now we just need a good movie about the negative cult aspects of Mormonism.
I'm so happy you got out, Chris. I can't imagine a world without you doing videos like this. I don't know if many people really understand how utterly SCARY it can be to stand up to your religious peers, family, and friends. Especially if you don't have all of the answers yet and they start coming at you with arguments based on centuries (in some cases) of time-tested dogma. It can be terrifying. Not to mention losing your support network. So again, thank you for being a shining example to those who are thinking about getting out of religious circles. Especially if you’re an LGBTQ person. You WILL survive. Thanks, buddy. 😎🤘☮️❤️🌈
EDIT: fixed spelling
I am a Christian but have no love or respect for the JW and Watchtower Society. I have been treated like crap by JWs and can't imagine what it was like to grow up in that faith. But I can relate that I have been to some toxic Christian churches too.
I grew up as a jw. Now im more of a nihilist. Incredibly stressed and riddled with guilt because in the back of my mind im wondering if i stole the chance of paradise from my kids. Stressed that when combined with my ocd doesnt help that much. Me not being in such a strict -chapter- (i had nowhere near the same restrictions as the ones you mentioned) makes this harder...
Im definitely watching this movie. Anyway, i love you and all the work you've done through the years. You are an inspiration.
Maybe looking into the research or people like Michael Newton and Dolores Cannon can help ease your guilt? Wish you the best!
There's still time. 😊❤️ We all know where this world is headed anyway. Our children deserve a better life, better world.
You've done your children a great service - they won't need to suffer under this oppressive cult as you had to.
A prophecy that fails means a false prophet. The JW'S have declared so many false prophecies over the years, it has invalidated itself as a truthful and chosen church. In other words, they are exactly what they SAY not to follow, they are false prophets. So clear that doubt out of your mind when in comes to your kids. If there is a paradise, JW is not the way to attain it. The fact you feel guilty for your kids means you have a great and deep love for them, a lot more love than the JW who rely on fear, guilt, pain and punishment to keep their members in line. Remember, the Jesus of the gospels preached love to everyone, he didn't guilt people, ask for money, shun people that didn't follow him or harass people to follow him. He didn't persecute people or vilify people. He criticised the priests and rabbis for hypocrisy but he did have a point.
He just said his sermons.
My advice is just follow the sensible parts of the Bible. Be truthful, kind, compassionate to those in need, steer clear of addictions, don't get caught up in material possessions and if you need spiritual guidance make it between you and your deity,- don't involve churches, they just want control of your life.
If you still feel drawn to Christianity, chuck that underlined JW bible and get a copy of the gospels - no old testament, no acts, letters etc of the new testament.
At least then you are getting the words of jesus that haven't been "interpreted" to serve some horrible church.
Former witness here:
This is something that really makes me happy because it needs more exposure for those who are completely depressed and unhappy dealing with being a Jehovah’s Witness. Ever since leaving I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been and honestly don’t think I would still be alive if I was still part of it. That’s with 3 suicide attempts/ self harm when I was apart of the religion. And ever since not being apart of it for 2 years no suicidal thoughts, no relapses of self harm. I don’t feel expected to reach any unrealistic expectations and now can truly be myself and now actually happy. Thanks for covering this Chris and being open about it. We need more of that from ex witnesses.
Today EXJW activism has become the most active, the most numerous, the most inspiring, the most varied, and the most dynamic of all "religious" dissidence. Today more and more JWs are leaving this hopeless cult. The more the years pass, the more this cult will become absurd. The "elastic" generation already proves it and this is only the beginning.
I am a former JW as well. It's good to see that filmmakers are exploring the cult that is JW. I am definitely going to watch this movie.
Thanks for the review! I can't wait to watch this movie, growing up I was always so frustrated with how JWs were depicted in TV shows or movies because they never get it right. Leaving that cult was the best decision I ever made, even if my family doesn't speak to me anymore.
Chris has been an inspiration in filmmaking
Welp, I need to watch this ASAP. I've never been JW, but I was raised in a small insular Evangelical church that I stayed in for an embarrassingly long time, and have really struggled to find media and storytelling that really "gets" what that experience was like.
As an ex witness I really love that you're talking about this. I feel so seen when you do this
As a Christian (not JW) who often defends organized religion conceptually, I do think it’s important for movies like this to exist, as sometimes organized religion is done very, very wrong, and that needs to be openly acknowledged and talked about. I believe that every time God creates something for the good of mankind, Satan will always be there with a counterfeit that causes pain and misery.
@Tevor Spackman Exactly! It makes me so sad that some people have such negative depictions when it comes to Christianity(and sometimes religion in general). You hit the nail on the head, Satan is always there to destroy us and prevent us from ever knowing The Father. All that mess that happened to JWs past and present, that was humanity, not God.
At the same time, I think it’s also perfectly fair for people with painful/traumatic experience with these type of fundamentalist groups to feel apprehensive about religion in general. If that’s a boundary they need for the sake of their mental health and well being, I think it’s important to respect that boundary.
Well said
@@chilly001963 huh? "the father"....Ofcourse
Yes. I am orthodox Christian. Criticism of my faith is important because it a) helps to improve ourselves and
B) if you cannot take listen to good faith Criticisms of your religion then you do not have much faith in the first place
So I guess I was not the only person who brought my gay lover to meetings. I cannot wait for this.
Did you see it yet?
Are you a lesbian who enjoys what they call clam diving? Awesome
I grew up a Jehovahs Witness, left when I was 21, one of the BEST decisions
Hope this film is able to lead more people away from JW manipulation. Thanks for the review Chris and your story.
I saw it and loved it to bits! It was done beautifully. The filmmakers clearly told such a personal story with how thoughtful everything seemed to be. I am a lesbian and I grew up in a very religious household and community that allowed for very little exploration of identity, so the film resonated with me in that regard. Highly recommend!
But is it a happy ending ? I wanna watch it but i don't do sad movies lol
@@11acteck I wouldn't say it ends happy. Maybe more on a sad hopeful note, I guess. The majority of the movie is very sweet if that helps?
@@major4211 thanks it does helps as long as it's not a cliche sad ending
It's not about about being sensitive, those movies annoy me lol
@@11acteck Definitely not a cliché sad ending. No worries there.
Ex JW here: I'm very excited to see this movie!! Most people do not know the awful things about this cult. It destroyed my family and led my mother to suicide. I will forever be going to therapy for the shit this cult put me and my family through
THE THUMBNAIL IS TOO GOOD XD
Chris' face watching the movie with that as the poster😂
😂😂😂😂
I really hope Chris will show us footage of his movie after he’s done with editing and post production, whether it’s the first trailer or something else
Well I mean eventually he will show you all
Why wouldn't he share the trailer?? Do you even think before you type?
@@28Pluto lmao right it's like he thinks Chris will make the film and then never release it 🤣
@@wisco9er536 LOL
Looking forward to this film! Btw, that thumbnail is so GOOD 😂
this is gonna sound cheesy af, but as a disabled trans woman with religious trauma, I'm really happy and grateful to you that you exist and never gave up (even though you never owed anyone that but yourself)
And the same goes for you too!! ✊✊
Lmao I'm grateful that you won't be procreating🖕
You are never gonna be a female. Keep living in delusions
@@loost68 For everyone else’s sake, please cease breathing
Go seek for some treatment
"No honey" is now my favorite Chris Stuckmann quote
Very dad of him
It's honestly so exciting to see the increasing amount of attention on Jehovah's Witnesses' harmful practices. There's a substantial increase in activism, news coverage, things like the new Telegraph podcast 'Calling Bethel', movies such as this. It's great to see, and is so very different to when I was growing up in the organisation.
I really do feel terrible for Chris. No child should be raised in such ludicrous conditions. I am so glad that he got away from that nonsense!
I saw this more for the lesbian romance aspect but the entire story surrounding Mareka, her faith and the almost cult-like demeanour of the other Jehovah Witnesses were very eye opening. Beautiful film!
Chris just want to say you been an inspiration to me and I’m in film school hope to be a film critic and or an editor and you been a huge influence on that just want to say thank you man
As an exmormon I find myself obsessed with your takes, and love when you talk about this stuff. You're so right about brainwashing being individual and kind of abstract, it all happens so fast and so slowly and all going on inside of you. A faith crisis isn't something that happens in a moment, it's a lifetime of pain and confusion that leads to you hoping there could be something better.
I had left in heart already, but it really took me listening to Chris’ takes to realize that I have ex-Mormon religious trauma.
@@BrazoFuerteProd good luck to you in your journey. It isn't an easy one. I was excommunicated about a decade ago and I'm still just learning to figure it all out. Be kind to yourself and don't allow yourself to be swept up by something else until you find out what the real ground feels like.
As a former witness myself, I'm so glad to hear you give your voice to the community on RUclips. I hope that more voices get heard, asap.
This review rocks! I love how candid and authentic and caring you are in your work.
To be honest, as a son of a disfellowshipped mother, when I saw “(Jehovah’s Witness Drama)” I first assumed it was a movie made by the church as propaganda, like how they do Caleb & Sophia for kids. I’ll have to check this film out.
Never been in the JW faith, but know a few people that are and they are very normal and really happy.
Whatever my views are on all kinds of faith, it’s important to remember not to tar all individuals with the same brush.
Would be interesting to see more characters in film from JW who aren’t portrayed as cult members, but as the normal people they are for better or worse.
I have family members and friends who are also very happy and they were at rock bottom before they were introduced. I agree with you 100%. Thank you for this comment.
The film Big Eyes is a great film that portrays JWs in a positive light
I don’t think I could watch this. I escaped at awful cult at 20. I’m 42 now. It’s something I really do not wish to revisit.
I feel the same way. I got out at 16-17. I’m almost 52 now. Both my sister and my aunt on my father’s side were disfellowshipped. My mother refused to speak to either of them, even when my aunt was dying from cancer. Now my mom is in an elderly care facility and wishes my sister would contact her 🙄.
That’s very understandable. I don’t know if I’m ever gonna see this movie if it’s coming out in my country, maybe I’ll watch it once
Wow, Chris, thank you for that superb review and, of course, your special insights. This is why folks keep coming back to get "Stuckmannized."
Well, Chris said it all, he's not a film critic anymore since he became a director.
I will now maidenly retreat to my chamber, wishing him all the best of luck, and I'll make sure to watch Shelby Oaks!
I went through a similar experience as you did Chris. I pretty much lost my childhood and went through some pretty traumatizing experiences. I was disfellowshipped as a teenager when I was in high school and the effect it had on me and my entire family was really bad. The absolute shame I felt and the shame I felt I brought onto my family was hard and I don't think they really understand the kind of pain they put people through. So when you talk about it, I feel you. Not sure if you watched the interview Leah Remini had with other scientologists and Jehovah's Witnesses but it was the first I could remember where people were able to voice the trauma they went through because of the religion. I highly recommend you watch it if you haven't. Powerful stuff. I can't wait to watch this. Thank you for reviewing it.
Thank you for the acronym Physically In Mentally Out -- so applicable to so much of life.
Me too! Just reading the comments is blowing my mind with all the past JW info.
Yeah I’m literally at that stage right now. I’m super happy Chris brought that up
As a Dane the way I first learned about Johovah's witness was by being shown the movie "Worlds apart 2008" (to verdener) in class at school. I watched it again last year and it's quite good. It's probably the danish language movie about JW but we were lucky that it was make so early. I recommend finding it with subtitles if you wanna see another JW movie.
I absolutely loved that film. To Verdener was very close to home as an ex JW. My parents broke up my relationship with my first love - something you never get over but learn to live with. Anything that shows how cruel that is in any religion or community will hopefully help people to feel less alone with their pain and hope that you can build a good life on the outside.
I grew up in that religion. I struggled with doubts and questions from a young age. Like by 10 I was full of unanswered questions, but also I loved my parents and feared losing them. I got baptized at 11 years old and immediately regretted it. By the time I was 15 I was depressed and checked out mentally at the meetings. By 17 I had discovered people like George Carlin, Christopher Hitchens, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Richard Dawkins etc. And the floodgates burst the dam of indoctrination. I read science and philosophy voraciously behind my families back. I read the bible cover to cover and picked it apart. By the time I was 20 I was having multi hour long debates with street preachers and even witnesses at my college campus. I avoided voicing my new knowledge and disagreements at home and at the kingdom hall but I would have silent debates with the speakers in my head. Sharpening my oratory knives.
When I would give parts in the kingdom hall, I added just enough subversive material to make people think and ask questions. Always phrasing it within the parameters of acceptable JW teaching. But pushing just enough. Later on friends from the kingdom hall who disassociated thanked me for making them question and doubt. That's the happiest memory I have of anything connected to the JWs.
When you opened up about this it was both surprising (I followed your videos for years before you came out as ex-JW) but also super refreshing. That someone I like and admire and whose opinion on movies I value has this sort of kinship with me. That we grew up listening to the same nonsense and got out. Made me really happy and I hope this movie helps others get out and keep others from falling prey.
I saw the film a few days ago at a film festival and it was remarkable. While films are only a shaded reflective of reality, I can only imagine what it would be like to live through the trials displayed in the film in real life
I am not a Jehovah's Witness, but I was raised as one and a lot of my family are still very much a part of the faith. For this reason, I was really glad that the film didn't demonize the whole religion and depict the actors playing the Witnesses as evil because they are genuinely nice people who really believe this stuff. This is a beautiful film and a story that needed to be told and maybe, just maybe, it will make a few more wake up and realize that it is all just a self-reinforcing delusion!
4:54 Chris states here that he knows what it's like to be queer. I would like to hear more about this if you please Chris 💕💕
I was wondering if I was the only one who caught that
I believe he mentioned in the JW video he made last year that he identifies as pansexual.
Yeah I caught that too. Did I miss something? Is he still with his wife?
Why would someone proudly say I know what it's like 2 have monkey pox?
@@loudryka He mentioned in that video that him coming out brought them closer together.
I meet the JW cult back in the year 2000, and even after leaving it ten years ago I’m still suffering consequences for being part of it until this very day... I’m glad that movies like this are being made, so people can learn about these destructive cults and stay away from them. Hope this movie can be internationally distributed, since most of them just have a limited English release.
Thanks again and for your honesty. Watching you reminds me of watching a young Leigh Whannell doing movie reviews on Recovery as a teen. I hope to see you do as well as he did with your career.
The one thing that's cool about JW is that they don't hide their empty threat of eternal hellfire, makes it easy to dismiss it as nonsense.
the unfortunate thing is when you teach that to people from a young age they tend to believe it. everyone's naturally a bit scared of dying so they have a built-in fear-induced motivation for people to believe their nonsense and not question it
I saw this film in Toronto a couple weeks ago. It has still not left the back of my mind.
Where can I watch the movie??? I can’t find it anywhere
I am a former JW myself, I left about 5 years ago now but not necessarily because I had bad experiences with them. I was born a JW, and I never made it to being baptized and at the end I decided I didn’t want to go to meetings anymore just because I decided that it wasn’t really for me. I definitely think that many people who have left over exaggerate their experiences being a JW. It is really not that bad and it is definitely NOT a cult, it’s not for everyone, and just like every other religion out there, there are some people who are extremely religious and take it VERY seriously and others who are serious about it as well but don’t take it to the “extreme” that a lot of you guys claim. Not particularly saying these stories are made up, like I said I realize that there are some extreme families out there, but you guys make it seem like this only happens in the JW culture.
The reason you feel that way is because you were never baptized and disfellowshipped when you decided to leave. Having all of your friends and family cut you off after being disfellowshipped is a horrible experience and it leaves people without any kind of safety net, without a social circle, and left to fend for themselves. This makes it much harder for baptized witnesses to exit the cult - it is *ABSOLUTELY* a cult, by the way, as it fits the definition to a T. You were lucky to get out before you were baptized or you'd be saying the same things so many others are. JWs ruined my life and I will never forgive them or the mindless drones that follow them.
Raised a witness left 7 years ago. Thank you
Congrats on 2 million subs Chris!
Will see it as soon it is released. Grew up as a Jehovah witnesses, it was a nightmare for me
It's kinda like trying to say "no" to peer pressure, but you really can't do so because you risk losing the peoples you've grow up with.
Jehovah’s Witness placed around Gaslamp area of San Diego for Comic Con this weekend. Same with the “YOU’RE GOING TO HELL” cultists. SDCC is back in almost full force 😂😂
I used to attend Jehovahs Witness meetings as a kid. And the question, "Would you like to live forever?" Is a common one that JW's ask when going door to door.
Great review Chris. Your channel is awesome
Straight male here. Absolutely loved this film. The chemistry, the writing, the score. Boy, they really got everything right. A pure delight. Don't miss it.
Height of respect for you. Been a subscriber for a long time. You're always a class act and I'll look forward to watching this film despite both the perceived right and wrong reasons. Be well.
2 million subscribers! Congrats!
I am a Christian I knew JW that tried to get me to join them. But I did not have any peace about it. It seemed off to me.
My bf was raised JW and his family still is. He isn't in the faith any longer but has not outright announced it to his family in fear of never speaking with them again. I was raised to be free thinking so I don't understand what ya'll have gone through at all. I love movies like this that can help me better understand what other people have gone through and I think its a fantastic outlet for those people to tell their story in a very heartfelt and real way.
Hey, Chris, just wanted to let you know, I fairly recently took your recommendation and watched Apostasy on Amazon Prime (I’ve also seen and read The Children Act). That, along with your content discussing your upbringing as a JW, has just opened my eyes to the cult-like practices and mentalities that this ‘religion’ pushes on its followers, and tries to persuade outsiders to adapt as well. It’s genuinely scary, and as someone who isn’t religious, it makes me feel so sad for people like you, who’ve gone through so much in the process of coming of age and having dreams that aren’t accepted by your elders, and in leaving the faith. I hope you are doing much better now (which, it seems to be the case), and my best wishes to you, your filmmaking career, and your family
I'm in a scarily similar situation right now Chris, though both the brother and I are still in the org. Both pioneers and ministerial servants. He still takes the truth seriously even though he has his own doubts. We plan to move in together to serve where the need is greater, even though part of me doesn't want to. I'm doing it for him, because I love him. He tries to find every loophole possible to try and justify our relationship. Part of me would want him to wake up and realize the truth, the same time I know it would be devastating for him since the org gives him purpose in life. It sucks. Our families look up to us so much, and I feel like I'm dragging him down with me. We want such a simple thing, but it's too much to ask for. I don't know what will become of us. I hope for the best but I'm scared. Thanks for bringing this subject up. Feels less hopeless remaining in the shadows.
-- JC
Just did a quick google search and this one is really flying under the radar. Definitely want to check it out but any idea on theater or streaming release dates and locations❓
@ Peter Martin.... with Google as your search engine, of course it's "flying under the radar".... Big Tech media is terminally biased against such things....
As a Muslim who is mostly liberal. I studied my religion in detail and proud of it. What I am not proud is when people force their beliefs on other people. Just because a religion is strict, it should not be forced on other people. My religion has made this every clear. The problem arises when people force their beliefs on others no matter what religion you belong to. We are human beings and we all make mistakes and commit sins. It is between me and my God not that I have to answer to someone else.
Look forward to seeing it. I dated someone who is, maybe still is, a JW. I got a front row seat on what it means to be a JW. I was Catholic and was surprised/shocked to find out more about their religious beliefs and customs. There was definitely brainwashing, a very cultish like feeling. She secretly had friends who were POMO's, even though she wasn't supposed to have contact with them. I wasn't supposed to exist. She and I weren't supposed to date. For the longest time she tried to convert me to make it right with her family. You'd think it wouldn't been a big problem, trade one religion for another, but I already had doubts about my own religious beliefs. I didn't need more baggage. In the end religion won, they killed our love, just wore it down until we gave up. I heard she married a JW.
Thank you for your review of the JW cult. I’ve been out of the cult since 1991, and still have PTSD-like repercussions these many years later. Bravo!
I actually hated Marika at first, I thought she was sending mix signals to Jaime. I thought so too at the end that Marika was just confused just like what Jaime's aunt said. But then I realized that Marika was raised in an environment where her religion is all she has. As much as she loves Jaime, it must be scary for her to picture out a future without the religion she was raised in. And the ending just hit me, after all those years she still thought about Jaime and will never gonna let go of her.
Dude Chris, 🤦🏾♂️ i’ve got chills bro 😎. But in all seriousness…… I got a wait to watch the rest of it but just the preview of it is killing me I love this video thank you for making this video
I cannot wait for the subscriber count to finally break 2million. Well-deserved.
Where can you watch this movie?
It's now available to buy/rent online on Amazon, AppleTV, or VUDU :)
It is fine to like a religion. The key is not to be fanatic.
beautiful movie i deeply care for jaime she’s amazing and my heart breaks for marike
You talking about seeing these things you know so well and have experienced yourself, is exactly why representation matters for all of us. I hope to see your JW film someday.
Where can I watch this movie in Canada?? I can’t find it anywhere :(
Remember cults is nothing like portrayed in movies. Signs that you are in a cult is:
Group requests that you only be friends, date or marry the members. If you disagree or want to leave after becoming a member, the other members are encourage not to talk to you. Which makes a person feel isolated. They lost all their friends, so they fall in line. Usually higher education is discouraged. There are many more examples, but if you are in a religious group of any size that does any of the above, then you might be in a cult.
Thanks for sharing! Lets hope this movie spreads far and wide!
I grew up a JW and had a similar situation myself and know multiple people with the same story. I can’t wait to watch this.
I watched the Black Phone because Chris said it was good. The Black Phone was 100% crap IMO.
Hey, Chris, when and where should we be able to watch this? Will it stream? Will it be in theatres? This is very important information.
@ChrisStuckmann I am not sure if this will be tagged or not. Might have had an account for a long time but I still don't know how RUclips works. But I just wanted to let you know that I remembered seeing this video when it was released and it stuck with me (no pun intended) that I wanted to watch this movie. I have tried looking for it through the normal avenues but was not lucky enough to find it. But I was able to find it on a website and I just finished watching it and I have to admit that this was without a doubt one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen and I look forward to seeing more from this director and from these actors in the future. For the last year or so, this movie and this video have been on my mind and after watching it I have to admit that I realized why I only go to your movie reviews or discussions on movies because you talk about movies in a way that the viewer can relate to, instead of talking about them in a way that can be seen as elitist. I am not sure how you will read this because frankly even with my autism it is hard for me to really write things that don't sound rude or anything. I just wanted you to know that I truly appreciate your views on movies and tend to see movies based on your reviews or discussions on them. You do an amazing job and I just wanted you to know that I truly appreciate finding your channel and truly appreciate everything you do. Thank you for everything you do and thank you for being there for at least me when I need an escape from the world. Thank you, Chris, I just wanted you to know this.
Huge congrats about your mom, the news brought me back to your channel
I stopped praying to Jehovah YEARS ago after I realized I didn't need to anymore lol. I left that religion years ago too. It is a CULT! THS video makes me consider doing a video about my experience as a JW.
You have experienced a part of what ‘coming out’ is like. Very proud of you 💙
I wrote a play about my experience as an ex Jehovahs Witness and what you said about brainwashing is so accurate
I’m disfellowshiped and I recently went to a relatives funeral and some of the witnesses there wouldn’t even shake my hand, I’m so glad that JW. Borg is getting more exposed