Shivangi Sinha
Lifetime’s ‘Secret Lives of Sister Wives’ tells the story of Calli, a young woman raised in a polygamous religious sect. Her entire life has been shaped by strict rules and communal expectations, and she is soon preparing for her own arranged marriage. Calli is promised to Nicholas Freeman, who already has multiple wives from previous unions, which is a norm within their community. As she faces the reality of being permanently bound by these traditions, Calli begins to question her future. She is inspired by her Aunt Leah, who successfully escaped the sect, and she seeks answers and explores the possibility of forging her own path. Directed by Doug Campbell, the film portrays a world distant from mainstream life and centers on Calli’s struggle to reconcile personal freedom with the indoctrination she has endured.
Secret Lives of Sister Wives is Seemingly Inspired by the Operation of Fundamentalist Groups
The film is set in a completely fictional world and community, and it explicitly states that it does not depict or reference any real-life religious sect. Although it is not based on a true story, it appears to draw inspiration from publicly available information about certain religious groups that adhere to strict doctrines, as well as from the testimonies of some survivors. Writers Bryan Dick and Ken Sanders have carefully crafted this universe to feel authentic through their imaginative storytelling with realistic elements. Their attention to detail and incorporation of lessons from real events make the setting believable, allowing the narrative to explore the complexities of personal choice within a rigorously structured community.
One example of such a religious group is The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS). It is a polygamous religious sect primarily based in Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, that formed as a breakaway from mainstream Mormonism. The group is known for practicing plural marriage, often allegedly arranging marriages for underage girls. Warren Jeffs, the former leader, was convicted of sexual assault of minors and is serving a life sentence plus 20 years. Survivors such as Rebecca Musser and Brenda Walker have publicly detailed abuse, coercion, and forced marriages and spoken about how young girls were married off to older men. Musser’s memoir, ‘The Witness Wore Red,’ and numerous interviews reveal the FLDS’ alleged systemic abuses and the difficulty members faced escaping the sect’s rigid structure.
The Movie Speaks About the Strength of Many Who Risk Everything for Their Freedom
The Apostolic United Brethren (AUB) is another polygamous Mormon fundamentalist sect, historically led by Rulon C. Allred until his assassination in 1977. Some of its practices appear to align with those depicted in the film. The group allegedly continues to practice plural marriage, emphasizing strict religious obedience and patriarchal control. Survivors, including former members like Dorothy Allred Solomon, have spoken publicly about alleged practices like child marriages, coercion, and emotional abuse within the community. While the sect itself has largely avoided large-scale criminal convictions like the FLDS, allegations of sexual abuse, underage marriages, and manipulation of women and children have persisted over the decades. Solomon’s memoirs speak about the challenges she faced while leaving the sect, the systemic gender inequities, and the long-term psychological impacts that had a bearing on her.
Just like in the film, there have been numerous reported cases where girls allege that they were forcibly married within polygamous religious sects. Many have managed to escape with the help of other members who had left earlier, showing how small acts of courage and solidarity can open pathways to freedom. These sects are known to exert extreme control over women and children, dictating their choices and restricting autonomy, which drives some to leave despite the risks. Each survivor’s story is unique, shaped by the pressures and dangers they faced. The story of Calli exists in a fictional world, yet it resonates with reality because it reflects the realistic struggles and dangers that women and girls have confronted in these tightly controlled communities.
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