Opus Dei Unveiled (2006)

Documentary. This History Channel program ably presents a capsulization of the founding of Opus Dei, its founding father (St. Josemaria Escriva, canonized in less than a generation by Pope John Paul II), and its controversial practices regarding evangelization, corporal mortification, spiritual direction, and Vatican influence. I have a lot of experience with well-meaning believers who go too far with elitism and ill-balanced spirituality, so for me it's telling and sad to hear Opus Dei leaders pooh-poohing those who have been spiritually abused as "confused" persons in a "complex situation." This program describes, fairmindedly, how the mission of Opus Dei differs from that of the Catholic Church at large: how evangelism goes toward its ranks rather than those of the Church, how members have been cut off from their natural families in favor of their new "spiritual" family, and how leaders equate their guidance with God's. 4 stars.