It’s not every day that the retelling of a notorious true crime story centres around a religious organisation without the word ‘cult’ paired with it. But now, the tide looks to be turning.
Forget violent rendezvous with furniture or reimaginings of notorious serial killers from decades past, the latest offering to hit our screens may not be as brutal, but it is just as sinister.
Introducing: The Eyes Of Tammy Faye.
Directed by Michael Showalter, the brains behind The Big Sick, the film follows Tammy Faye Bakker, a disgraced evangelist who doubles as a TV personality and Christian recording artist. But while she practised her penchant for preaching the Bible and utilising her vocal cords, her husband Jim Bakker, was busy being indicted, convicted and arrested for numerous counts of fraud and one for conspiracy by 1989.
Fascinated? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the film—from the plot and cast members to when you can watch it in Australia.
What Is The Plot Of The Eyes Of Tammy Faye?
Taking place over the 1970s and ’80s, The Eyes Of Tammy Faye follows the “extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker”, as per the film’s official synopsis.
Based on the 2000 documentary of the same name, Tammy Faye and her husband Jim Bakker, pioneered the world’s largest religious broadcasting network, PTL Club, as well as a religious-themed theme park (yes, you read that correctly). Played by an almost unrecognisable Jessica Chastain, Tammy Faye was known for her memorable hair, makeup—*those* eyelashes—and her undeniable desire to help others. And of course, her signature style of singing with the gospel choir. However, following her infamous interview with AIDS activist Steve Pieters in 1985, Jim’s financial fraud, vicious rivalry from competitors and conspiracy scandals saw their carefully constructed empire fall before her eyes (no pun intended).
But don’t take our word for it, check out the trailer below to see for yourself.
WATCH BELOW: The Eyes Of Tammy Faye Trailer
Who Is Cast In The Eyes Of Tammy Faye?
As expected, the cast list is riddled with star power. Leading the line-up is an unrecognisable Jessica Chastain (Molly’s Game, Intersellar) as Tammy Faye Bakker herself, and Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, The Amazing Spiderman) as her husband and convicted fraudster, Jim Bakker.
Joining them is the notable Vincent D’Onofrio (Men In Black, Ed Wood) as Jerry Falwell, Sam Jaeger (The Handmaid’s Tale, Why Women Kill) as Rose Messner, Cherry Jones (Signs, Ocean’s Twelve) as Rachel and Fredric Lehne (The Greatest Showman, Supernatural) as Fred Grover.
When Can We Watch The Eyes Of Tammy Faye?
Ready to repent? The Eyes Of Tammy Faye is set to be released in cinemas on September 17.
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