Savior Complex
This three-part documentary series chronicles the controversial story surrounding Renee Bach, a young American missionary who felt called by God to set up a charity for malnourished children in Jinja, Uganda. But shocking allegations arose that Renee was treating the sick children herself, without any medical qualifications. When whistle-blowers intervene, they learn that over 100 children have died in the charity's care over the years. An activist group called No White Saviors ignites a social media firestorm to raise attention to the story, leading to a civil lawsuit brought against Renee and her charity by two Ugandan mothers and a human rights attorney. With extraordinary access to Renee, her accusers, lawyers, activists, and the bereaved mothers who sought to hold her accountable in court, Savior Complex addresses wider questions surrounding the ethics of foreign aid work done in the name of humanitarian and religious ideals.
- Metascore81
- 2023-2023
- 1 season
- HBO
- Documentary, Suspense
- TV-MA
This three-part documentary series chronicles the controversial story surrounding Renee Bach, a young American missionary who felt called by God to set up a charity for malnourished children in Jinja, Uganda. But shocking allegations arose that Renee was treating the sick children herself, without any medical qualifications. When whistle-blowers intervene, they learn that over 100 children have died in the charity's care over the years. An activist group called No White Saviors ignites a social media firestorm to raise attention to the story, leading to a civil lawsuit brought against Renee and her charity by two Ugandan mothers and a human rights attorney. With extraordinary access to Renee, her accusers, lawyers, activists, and the bereaved mothers who sought to hold her accountable in court, Savior Complex addresses wider questions surrounding the ethics of foreign aid work done in the name of humanitarian and religious ideals.
Season 1 Episode Guide
3 Episodes 2023
Episode 1
God Doesn't Call the Qualified, He Qualifies the Called
Tue, Sep 26, 2023 57 mins
At 19 years old, Renee Bach felt God's call to serve as a missionary and moves to Jinja, Uganda to start a charity that addresses childhood malnutrition. She earns the support of local Ugandan officials and foreign donors alike. But when an American nurse comes to volunteer at the charity, she makes a shocking discovery and accuses Renee of treating these medically fragile children herself, with only a high school diploma to her name.
Episode 2
Cast the First Stone
Wed, Sep 27, 2023 59 mins
The volunteer nurse makes a formal complaint to Renee's board about her concerns and resigns as donations to SHC hit an all-time high. While the charity expands and hires more staff, there are rumors that Renee is continuing to practice medicine herself. As a result, a disillusioned former missionary joins forces with a Ugandan activist to make sure the story of Renee's alleged "deadly white saviorism" is heard around the world.
Episode 3
Reap What You Sow
Wed, Sep 27, 2023 57 mins
Renee is back in the United States facing a lawsuit brought by a Ugandan human rights attorney on behalf of two bereaved mothers. While she fights against the accusations in the lawsuit, the social media movement against her escalates and Renee must reckon with her choices and questions her faith and desire to serve.
