Felicity Huffman is a survivor in Lifetime’s latest film.
In PEOPLE’s first look at the network’s new two-part movie, The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy, the actress, 62, tells the “extraordinary true story” of Rena Chynoweth.
According to an official logline, the film follows both present-day Rena (Huffman) and past (Olga Petsa) as they tell the story of how she survived as a “former wife of a manipulative polygamist group leader” named Ervil LeBaron (Eric Johnson) and “escaped a life of oppression and dedicated herself to freeing others.”
Related: Daughters of the Cult: Who Was Polygamous Cult Leader Ervil Morrell LeBaron?
“I wasn’t about to question God’s will,” present-day Rena says in a voiceover as the past version of herself pulls out a gun in a doctor’s office in the trailer. “I was just a 16-year-old girl. People think I’m a monster for the things I’ve done.”
The scene then shifts to a shot of the extremist group sitting in a circle surrounding Ervil. As he stresses the “importance of what we’re doing,” the trailer flashes to images of Molotov cocktails and religious followers raging war.
Lifetime
Felicity Huffman in ‘The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy’
Related: William H. Macy Says It’s ‘Great’ Wife Felicity Huffman Is Returning to Acting: ‘I’m Really Glad She’s Working’
“Doing the right thing isn’t always easy,” one follower says. “But we have to defend the kingdom of God.”
Reyna finds herself in a harrowing situation when Evril visits her mother. As she enters her kitchen, he declares that the “heavenly father has called us to be married.” Tears form in Reyna’s eyes when she looks up in a white gown and veil.
“You are a warrior in God’s army, and you serve him with honor,” Evril says, his arms around Reyna as she blankly stares off into the distance.
Lifetime
Olga Petsa in ‘The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy’
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Despite leaving her own life behind, it’s obvious that the ghosts of Reyna’s past continue to haunt her in the present day.
“What would you do to save your life?” she asks as flashbacks of her trauma play onscreen. “If you believe you are right and everyone else is wrong, you can justify everything.”
“So tell me,” present-day Reyna says with tears in her eyes and a wavering voice. “Am I a monster?”
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The two-part movie event premieres May 31 and June 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
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