While the first two documentaries focused on the controversial doctrine, cult-like atmosphere and extensive protest activities of the church, the third documentary concerns itself primarily with the lives of former members. It also covers the impact of the death of lead Pastor Fred Phelps on the church, as well as his rumored death-bed excommunication for softening his anti-homosexual rhetoric.[4]Megan Phelps's defection from the church, from devoted follower to critic, as well as her attempts to stay in contact with her family (in particular with her mother Shirley) is covered in detail.[5]
Reception
Surviving America's Most Hated Family garnered a mixed reception from critics. Gerard O'Donovan of The Telegraph gave it two out of five stars, deeming it "a rare misstep from this normally pin-sharp documentarian."[2] Brian Donaldson of The List gave the special three out of five stars, calling it "a road to nowhere."[6] Lucy Mangan of The Guardian rated it four out of five stars, while admitting it was "a deeply uncomfortable watch."[1]
Both O'Donovan and Mangan accused the documentary of veering into exploitation. O'Donovan wrote, "Theroux went wrong, withholding some potentially distressing news from (Megan Phelps-Roper) until a moment of maximum emotional impact, and lingering long on her shocked and tearful reaction." Mangan agreed, saying "It is profoundly uncomfortable to watch and, for me, errs firmly on the side of exploitation – which is not, generally, Theroux's stock-in-trade."[1][2] Phelps-Roper personally defended Theroux's decision to reveal this information in this manner, stating in a Twitter post that she knows her family will watch the documentary and will see how devastated she was.[7]
