Cast
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Felicity Huffman
as Rena Chynoweth
Olga Petsa
as Young Rena
Eric Johnson
as Ervil LeBaron
Adrian Petriw
as Joel LeBaron
Michelle Harrison
as Thelma Chynoweth
Jonathan Whitesell
as Mark Chynoweth
Rubi Tupper
as Little Rena
Jessie Fraser
as Josie
Arlina Rodríguez
as Delphina
Matthew Nelson-Mahood
as Aaron
Crew
Director
- Michael Nankin
Writer
- Anne-Marie Hess
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Thirteenth Wife: Escaping Polygamy, Part 1 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Michael Nankin brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2025, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Thirteenth Wife: Escaping Polygamy, Part 1 took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 366 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2025, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Thirteenth Wife: Escaping Polygamy, Part 1 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Thirteenth Wife: Escaping Polygamy, Part 1 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Rocketry: The Nambi Effect and The Perfect Storm explore similar territory, The Thirteenth Wife: Escaping Polygamy, Part 1 stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 31, 2025
- Runtime: 1h 25m
