In the first trailer for Lifetime's upcoming movie, Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story, Luke Macfarlane (Hallmark, Bros) plays the role of Eli Weaver, a husband and father in a traditional Amish community in Ohio. The film is inspired by a true story documented in the book A Killing in Amish Country: Sex, Betrayal and a Cold-Blooded Murder by Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris.
The trailer introduces us to Eli and his wife, Barbara Weaver, portrayed by Miranda MacDougall (The Flash). Initially, they appear to be a content couple, sharing dreams of a more exciting and transformative love while living a devout Amish life devoted to God and each other.
However, beneath the surface, Eli harbors desires that go against his religious beliefs - desires for forbidden temptations like women, sex, and technology. He creates a dating profile called "Amish Stud" and starts a series of affairs, growing increasingly resentful of his wife. He even discusses sinister plans with one of his mistresses, Barb Raber (Kirsten Vangsness).
Barb seems to support Eli's desire to eliminate his wife, and their conversations take a dark turn. Meanwhile, Barbara becomes aware of her husband's infidelity, catching them in compromising situations and discovering incriminating evidence among his belongings.
Tragedy strikes when Barbara is found dead from a gunshot wound in their home. The Amish community reflects on her cries for help, suggesting she was aware of her husband's illicit activities.
While Eli initially has an alibi - he was supposedly fishing with friends at the time of the shooting - investigators stumble upon his secret phone, which he used for his extramarital affairs, leading to a cascade of revelations. Vangsness' character, also married herself, becomes a key figure in the unfolding investigation.
Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story premieres Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
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