The HBO Original three-part documentary series LOVE HAS WON: THE CULT OF MOTHER GOD, directed by Hannah Olson (HBO’s “Baby God” and “The Last Cruise”), debuts MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max, followed by episodes two and three airing subsequent Mondays at the same time.
Synopsis: LOVE HAS WON: THE CULT OF MOTHER GOD chronicles the life and death of Amy Carlson, also known as “Mother God,” a self-proclaimed spiritual savior who promised an escape from the “3D” world via her online manifestos and live-streaming sessions. As her most fervent acolytes came to live with Amy, they cared for “Mother God,” whose health gradually declined. Amy’s followers joined her in believing that her physical demise was the result of her taking on the pain of the world, and that her deterioration would ultimately lead to her evacuation by UFO and salvation for humanity. Told through the eyes of Amy’s devotees, both former and still practicing, and constructed almost entirely from the cult’s archival footage, the series captures the early boom of internet proselytizing and the perils of a conspiracy-driven faith.
“Mother God” was born Amy Carlson in Kansas in 1975. Increasingly disaffected with a financially unsustainable and exhausting life as a young mother of three working as a McDonald’s manager, she turned to the internet, finding hope in the vast echo chamber of New Age spirituality, conspiracy theories, and supernatural ideologies, eventually founding Love Has Won as a destination for the disenchanted. After abruptly leaving her family, Amy proclaimed herself able to take on humanity’s pain, and as “Mother God,” gave daily online spiritual sessions for money while her commune supported itself by selling products, specifically advocating the use of colloidal silver as a healing elixir. Despite professing a faith in universal love, the cult had a darker, conspiracy-laden side as well. Blinded by her beliefs, fueled by alcohol and drugs, and with a distrust of science and medicine, Amy became trapped in a reality of her own making, eventually succumbing to a death that her followers understood as her ascension to the next realm. Even after her death, her followers continued their devotion to her, until her mummified body was discovered by authorities in the communal home weeks after her demise. Through first-hand testimony and intimate footage, LOVE HAS WON: THE CULT OF MOTHER GOD reveals how the perilous vortex of the internet can become a platform for idolatry while also offering promises of truth, healing, and meaning to the vulnerable.
Episodes:
Episode 1
Debut date: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Episode one chronicles Amy’s journey from a manager at a McDonalds to her position as “Mother God” in the Love Has Won movement. We see Amy search for a Father God, as Love Has Won devotees arrive at the commune, live-streaming daily and selling products, like colloidal silver, to fund their healing work. The cult is thriving until a newcomer arrives.
Episode 2
Debut date: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Episode two reveals Amy’s past as the mother of three children and explores her relationship with Jason, the final Father God, and her history of alcohol and drug abuse. As Amy becomes sick, her acolytes claim she is taking on humanity’s pain and she cannot seek outside medical care if she is to complete her mission. She ingests increasing doses of colloidal silver that the group believes has healing properties. Amy’s sister tries to intervene by calling law enforcement but the Love Has Won members take Amy to Hawaii.
Episode 3
Debut date: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Episode three introduces Amy’s daughter, Madi, who describes her life growing up without a mother. Amy and the Love Has Won commune are kicked out of Hawaii after Amy claims to be Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire. Amy’s health continues to deteriorate and after her death, her followers take her body to Colorado where the compound is raided 12 days later.
Featured Participants: Together with the 2,700 live streams from Love Has Won, the series includes interviews with Amy’s mother, sister, and children, a local reporter and law enforcement officer, former Love Has Won members, and current devotees.
Credits: HBO Documentary Films presents an Elara Pictures Production LOVE HAS WON: THE CULT OF MOTHER GOD. Directed by Hannah Olson; producers, Ana Veselic, Matthew Killip; executive producers, Dani Bernfeld, Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Lauren Cioffi, Hannah Olson. For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez.
