Lifetime Announces 2-Part Movie Event ‘The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy’

Lifetime has announced a powerful new addition to its lineup of original programming with “The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy,” a two-night movie event premiering May 31 and June 1 at 8/7c.

The drama stars Felicity Huffman (“Criminal Minds”), Olga Petsa (“I Used to Be Funny”), and Eric Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey”) in a harrowing true story of manipulation, indoctrination, and resilience.

The film is based on the real-life experiences of Rena Chynoweth, portrayed by Petsa as a teenager and Huffman in her later years. As a young girl, Rena is brought by her family to Colonia Le Baron, a secluded polygamist Mormon settlement in Mexico. There, they are instructed to give up all possessions and fully submit to the teachings of two powerful brothers, Ervil and Joel LeBaron. Ervil, played by Johnson, quickly emerges as a dangerous figure whose lust for power turns deadly.

At just 16, Rena becomes Ervils 13th wife and is groomed into becoming one of his “holy assassins,” ultimately coerced into committing murder. After escaping conviction, she lives in fear for her life and that of her daughter. When Ervil is arrested, Rena makes a daring escape, taking her daughter and others with her and later dedicating her life to helping others escape similar circumstances.

“The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy” is directed by Michael Nankin and written by Anne-Marie Hess. The film is produced by MCPA Films, with Brad Krevoy and Amy Hartwick serving as executive producers.