Netflix's newest true crime documentary, 'Trust Me: The False Prophet,' premieres on April 8, 2026, exposing the inner workings of a dangerous cult led by self-proclaimed prophet Samuel Bateman. The four-episode miniseries, directed and executive produced by Rachel Dretzin, documents an undercover investigation into Bateman's group operating within the Short Creek community that straddles the Utah-Arizona border.

Bateman rose to prominence within the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) by claiming to be the rightful successor to Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned former FLDS leader. However, far from being a spiritual guide, Bateman allegedly orchestrated the systematic abuse of women and children within his polygamous group.

The documentary's investigation was conducted undercover by Dr. Christine Marie, a cult expert, and Tolga Katas, a videographer and Marie's husband. The pair posed as documentary filmmakers to gain access to Bateman's inner circle, a strategy that allowed them to collect critical evidence of his crimes. Their documentation captured audio and video footage in which Bateman himself admitted to abusing women and children—damning evidence that would eventually support criminal charges against him.

Bateman's alleged crimes were substantial. Investigators documented that he maintained control over more than 20 wives and engaged in the sexual abuse of minors. The scale and severity of these offenses prompted intervention from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado City and Hildale Police Departments as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Short Creek community has long been associated with FLDS practices and polygamy. Located in a remote border region between Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona, the settlement has historically attracted sect members seeking to practice their beliefs away from mainstream scrutiny. This isolated setting reportedly allowed Bateman to operate with minimal interference for years, until the undercover investigation brought his activities to light.

Dretzin is no stranger to documenting FLDS abuse and manipulation. She previously directed 'Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey,' another Netflix documentary examining the cult's practices. Her experience with the subject matter and her directorial approach bring credibility and depth to this new investigation.

The most significant outcome of the investigation came when Samuel Bateman was convicted following the evidence gathered through the undercover operation. The conviction represents a major victory for law enforcement and provides some measure of justice for his victims, though many survivors continue to process the trauma inflicted upon them.

'Trust Me: The False Prophet' arrives at a critical moment in popular discourse around cult manipulation and abuse. The documentary format allows viewers to witness the investigation unfold, seeing firsthand how cult leaders like Bateman exploit religion to consolidate power and perpetrate violence. By showcasing the undercover methods used to gather evidence, the series also illuminates how law enforcement and experts work to dismantle such operations.

The four-episode structure provides ample space to explore not only Bateman's crimes but also the psychological mechanisms he used to control his followers, the impact on survivors, and the broader context of FLDS history. For international audiences unfamiliar with American cult dynamics, the documentary offers an accessible entry point into understanding how charismatic individuals weaponize faith to achieve exploitation.

As Netflix continues to produce true crime content, 'Trust Me: The False Prophet' stands as a significant addition to the growing body of documentary work examining cults and their leaders. The series underscores the importance of investigative journalism and expert collaboration in exposing abuse that often occurs behind closed doors.

**Sources:** - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_Me:_The_False_Prophet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azqOT9jGsKU - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iPaXgUN0-U