The Devil's Playground is a fascinating and moving documentary about a little-known aspect of Amish life. Amish are not permitted to join the church until their late teens, and have to do so of their own volition. The film explores Rumspringa, wherein young Amish are given the opportunity to explore the "English" way of life.
Direction
Walker earns trust, capturing unguarded moments without exploitation.
Editing
Seamless weaving between barn-raising calm and party chaos.
Director
Lucy Walker
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Rumspringa failure rates are wildly exaggerated in pop culture; this film quietly corrects that—most return.
Lucy Walker spent months building trust; the Bontragers initially thought she'd expose them, not listen.
US
