Under the Banner of Heaven

Detective Jeb Pyre is a devoted man of faith whose beliefs are tested when a shocking murder leads him into the orbit of a respected Utah family. As he pieces together evidence, he uncovers a pattern of extreme interpretation of religion, family loyalty, and escalating violence that challenges what he thought he knew about justice and community. The case forces Jeb to wrestle with personal convictions and professional duty while the lives of the Lafferty family, their spouses, and children are revealed in uncomfortable detail. The show keeps its focus on investigation and character, avoiding spoilers about how the mystery resolves.

Released in 2022, the miniseries was created by Dustin Lance Black and drawn from Jon Krakauer's nonfiction book of the same name. The adaptation centers on performances by Andrew Garfield as Jeb Pyre, Sam Worthington as Ron Lafferty, Daisy Edgar-Jones as Brenda Lafferty, Denise Gough as Dianna Lafferty, and Wyatt Russell as Dan Lafferty.

The series attracted attention during awards season, with particular praise landing on lead and supporting performances. It earned industry notice for its acting and production values, though it wasn't a dominant presence across every major ceremony.

The show stirred public conversation about how media portrays religion, especially within Mormon communities, and prompted debates about representation versus historical reporting. Viewers and commentators discussed its depiction of faith-driven violence and how the series balances dramatization with real-life events.

Critical reaction trended toward mixed to positive, reflected in a vote average around 7.5 out of 10 from viewers. Reviewers highlighted the moral and institutional themes at play, including faith, fanaticism, accountability, and the limits of authority. While some critics praised the performances and tension, others questioned the series' handling of sensitive material, making it a talk-worthy drama that asks uncomfortable questions rather than offering easy answers.