Savior Complex (2023) Movie Review
HBO's gripping three-part documentary, "Savior Complex," dives into the tumultuous tale involving Renee Bach, No White Saviors, and Serving His Children. This documentary is a mix of captivating elements—colonialism, charity, outrage, class, race, privilege, and naivete. What sets it apart is its refusal to spoon-feed answers. Whether you see Bach as a monstrous figure or a victim of activist hypocrisy, "Savior Complex" doesn't make judgment easy.
Renee Bach embarked on a mission to Uganda as a teenager, discovering her purpose in Africa. After working in an orphanage, she founded her own charity, Serving His Children, in Jinja. Operating in a region plagued by nutrition and disease concerns, Bach aimed to help malnourished children.
However, controversy arises from two undeniable truths:
1.) Bach saved lives, according to some mothers.
2.) She performed medical procedures without proper qualifications, using "gut feeling" instead of expertise. Over a hundred Ugandan children died, and the toll may be even higher.
%20Movie.jpg "Savior Complex (2023) Movie")
American nurse Jackie Kramlich, working at Serving His Children, was shocked by the lack of education and unsanitary conditions. In "Savior Complex," she shares eyewitness accounts of Bach administering medical treatments dangerously. Other staff accused Bach of ignoring qualified Ugandan medical professionals. The disturbing conditions led Kramlich to resign, and the involvement of No White Saviors ensued when an employee reported worsening conditions.
No White Saviors, featured in the documentary "Savior Complex," draws parallels between missions like Renee Bach's and colonialism. The organization criticizes the intrusion of people who feel superior and control those they aim to help. Director Jackie Jesko subtly explores the idea that Bach, an American white woman, may have unknowingly played a role in this troubling dynamic during her mission in Uganda. Jesko cleverly lets Bach reveal her own blind spots, including a moment where she struggles to pronounce "neocolonialism."
The documentary becomes more intriguing as it delves into the flaws of No White Saviors itself. The organization, led by a white American woman named Kelsey Nielsen, advocates for prosecuting Bach. However, there's irony in their approach, as they, too, can be seen as white saviors. The documentary highlights instances where No White Saviors exploits images on social media for their cause, crossing ethical boundaries, especially when it involves Bach's adopted daughter.
The Bach case's numbers also add complexity. Bach claims a mortality rate of 11% at Serving His Children (SHC), lower than a nearby children's hospital. Yet, the numbers don't tell the full story. The documentary raises questions about whether Bach's actions impacted the mortality rate positively or if her presence itself caused harm.
"Savior Complex" avoids true crime clichés, leaving viewers with a nuanced understanding but no clear answers. The series emphasizes the danger in the belief that being called by God justifies drastic actions like medical intervention. It navigates complex ideas, making it a compelling watch, especially for organizations considering involvement in foreign societies. The documentary underscores the intricate challenges and competing ideas surrounding missions and charity work abroad.