In the latest “can’t believe it’s true” tale from Lifetime, Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story tells the real-life drama that the daughter of polygamist cult leader Warren Jeffs had to endure before she managed to escape her father’s abusive hold on her. Learn more about the movie, including a Parade exclusive sneak peek.
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What is Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story about?
Rachel Jeffs (Kaitlyn Bernard), daughter of Warren Jeffs (Michael Eklund), the notorious leader of a polygamist sect with 80 wives, endured years of trauma from age 8 to 16. Subjected to her father’s manipulation and abuse, Rachel navigated a maze of twisted “purity tests” and psychological games. When she finally spoke out, she faced disbelief and further isolation.
Undeterred, Rachel orchestrated a daring escape from her heavily guarded confinement. In a display of extraordinary courage, she not only secured her own freedom but returned to rescue her children from the polygamous community she left behind. The film chronicles Rachel’s journey from victim to victor, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit over seemingly insurmountable odds. Her story illuminates the hidden world of polygamist cults while celebrating one woman’s determination to reclaim her identity and rewrite her destiny.
Is Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story based on a true story?
Yes, the film is based on the memoir, Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs by Rachel Jeffs.
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Who is in the cast of Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story?
Kaitlyn Bernard (Rachel Jeffs)
Bernard is known for films such as Spontaneous and The Professor and television series The Lake. She has appeared on When Calls the Heart, Haven, and Everyone’s Famous.
Michael Eklund (Warren Jeffs)
Eklund has made a career of playing villains and anti-heroes. His credits include Legends of Tomorrow, Wynonna Earp, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, and Big Sky.
Britt Robertson (Barbara Jeffs)
Robertson starred in last year’s holiday film, The Merry Gentlemen on Netflix. She previously starred in Big Sky and The Rookie: Feds and reprised her Feds role on The Rookie. Her other credits include GirlBoss, Law & Order: SVU, and Under the Dome.
When is the Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story release date?
Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Storypremieres on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
Check out a sneak peek of Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story
Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story below.
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