The new, three-part documentary Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal is now streaming on Paramount+.
The doc examines life inside Gloriavale, a Christian community in New Zealand that has operated for more than 50 years, where daily life is ruled by rigid beliefs and hierarchies where men rule over their wives. Former members discuss allegations of sexual abuse and cover-ups, while current members defend the community and its beliefs. Some say it’s their faith while others call it a cult.
The Gloriavale sect is one of the most controversial in existence, and now you can stream all about it. Read on to learn more about Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal, including details exposed in the official trailer, where to stream the documentary, and why it’s being compared to The Handmaid’s Tale.
What is it about?
Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal follows former and current members of Gloriavale, a religious community in New Zealand. But is it heaven on Earth, or an abusive religious prison?
The documentary, which includes archival footage and interviews with people connected to the group, focuses on allegations of sexual abuse, control, and cover-ups inside the community. It also examines the structure of daily life in Gloriavale, where men lead households and community rules shape work, marriage, and family life. Members explain that the transgressions of others don’t define them, while opponents believe the culture remains manipulative and predatory.
Where to watch
You can watch Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal on Paramount+. All three parts of the documentary are now streaming on demand with a subscription. A subscription to any Paramount+ plan – either Paramount+ Essential or Paramount+ Premium – gets you access to the doc. Plans start at $8.99 a month. Visit the Paramount+ Help Center for more information on plans and pricing.
Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal streaming details:
- Premiere date: June 2, 2026
- Episodes: 3
- Streaming: Paramount+
Is there a trailer?
Yes. Paramount+ has released the official trailer for Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal.
The trailer includes footage from Gloriavale, interviews with former members, snippets about the allegations, and comparisons of the community to cults such as Jim Jones’ Peoples Temple (of the Jonestown massacre), and to dystopian fiction, a la The Handmaid’s Tale.
What is Gloriavale?
Gloriavale is a Christian community based in rural New Zealand, far from outside influence. While some view life in Gloriavale as ideal, others describe it as a cult.
The community was founded in the late 1960s, and has operated under a shared religious structure for decades. Members live and work together, and leadership oversees many parts of community life. The documentary examines how their rules affect people inside and outside the community.
Who appears in Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal?
The documentary features interviews with former members of Gloriavale, family members, and people who are still part of the active community. The dueling perspectives present a dizzying dialogue where the truth is hard to find.
The documentary also includes archival footage filmed over several decades, showing how community members live, work, and raise families. There is also news footage connected to community leaders who were accused of heinous acts, and details about why some chose to leave.
Who directed?
Emmy®-winning documentary filmmaker Nicole Rittenmeyer directed Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal. TEmmy®-winning documentary filmmaker Nicole Rittenmeyer directs Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal. The team behind the film includes Dame Julie Christie, who serves as executive producer for NHNZ, and Susan Zirinsky and Terence Wrong, who serve as executive producers for See It Now Studios.
How many episodes are there?
Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal consists of three parts. The full, three-part documentary is now streaming on Paramount+.
Why Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal is drawing comparisons to The Handmaid’s Tale
The members of the Gloravale community wear a sort of uniform – very common for religious groups such as this one. The Handmaid’s Tale costume designer Ane Crabtree has cited Gloriavale when asked to cite influences for her work for the acclaimed 2017-2025 TV adaptation.
Watch Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal on Paramount+
Does Gloriavale offer a wholesome life or an oppressive purgatory? You decide. Watch Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal on Paramount+. Want more? Check out Prophet’s Prey (Paramount+ Premium plan only), about convicted Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) leader Warren Jeffs, and Born in Synanon, a deep dive into the drug-rehabilitation program that took a sinister turn.
Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal
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