The term polygamy sparks discomfort from most in mainstream society. It’s hard to imagine that people who believe marriage should be shared between more than two partners have anything in common with our culture.

Sons of Perdition, directed by Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten, tells the story of three young men who leave their home with the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and embark on a journey to live their lives freely. Growing up in a small Utah community, The Crick, Sam, Joe and Bruce each have many siblings and up to three “mothers”.

The FLDS are led by Warren Jeffs, the current prophet, who has over 80 wives and has throughout his rule eliminated social gatherings and freedom of expression in The Crick. By leaving, the boys have become sons of perdition, meaning they’ve given up their chance at an afterlife.

The boys use their newfound freedom to rebel in every way possible including getting piercings and their hair dyed. The film follows their struggle to find homes while their rebellion escalates into drugs.

The most compelling message in the film is the power of family. These boys have been exiled by the only people they have ever known, yet harbor no hatred. They even admit to still loving their fathers despite the physical and mental abuse they have instilled on their families. The boys also surprisingly appreciate and reminisce about their childhoods.

Overall the film does exactly what a documentary should: it shows what it’s like to live an alternate lifestyle that we may not understand.