Unchosen Review
Unholy works, decisions made, sexual infidelity, the list goes on and on. When it comes to religions and their beliefs, many things are taboo or shunned. But for sure, to each their own. Yet in a fictionalised world, these can be further dramatised. Combine the taboos with the acknowledgement or just the existence of cults, and so much more can arise.
The UK, though small in geography, is vast in its people. As the opening of Unchosen, a new Netflix series, begins, we see that many cults are in the UK, though some are hidden; most live in plain sight. You sit and think when you read this, and time seems to pass so fast here because before you truly have a moment to think, you are pulled into this created world.
Amidst a small English town lives a cloistered Christian sect. Rosie (Molly Windsor) lives with her daughter Grace (Olivia Pickering) and husband Adam (Asa Butterfield). Living how they believe to be normal, life will begin to be revealed. The fateful arrival of prison escapee Sam (Fra Fee) sends Rosie down a path of revelations.
For a six-episode Netflix miniseries, I did not know what to expect. At the beginning, I thought Unchosen would be your typical religious cult drama. The type of plot where the biggest drama was regarding their beliefs blocking out the outside world, and causing them issues with outsiders. But in Julie Gearey’s script, there is so much more to unpack and be surprised by. Through such subtle nuances and careful hints dropped along the way, the six episodes of Unchosen will each have you ready to learn what happens next.
While some viewers might recognise members of the cast, there are quite a few new faces who grace the screen. Unchosen’s ensemble is very impressive, and their acting together brings the characters and this world to life. Windsor, Butterfield and Fee all bring a uniqueness to the table. Their characters each have their own distinct personalities and traits that only elevate the results. Combine those three with Christopher Eccleston as one of the antagonists, or at least the cult leader at the beginning, and you forget that you are watching television.
From one episode to another, you are lured further into this world. Though it was difficult to separate the internal pain of watching the manipulation these individuals suffered, I could not help but be compelled by their current predicament. This is truly where I believe Unchosen succeeds. It is not in how you see it, but it is in how you, as the viewer,r are compelled to care about these characters.
Rarely can I find myself worried about stories like these. It is evident that the manipulation these cult members find themselves in stems from the roots of the past. Their religion is filled with ideas from centuries ago. The men control their women; sin is sex outside of marriage; the list goes on. They cannot even use cellphones or the internet; it is truly another timeframe in their world.
By the end, through enjoyment and stress, you realise just how much play there is in creating an interesting and appealing story within a religious cult. Unchosen truly makes the audience question whether or not this could be something that is happening under our noses. It provides just the right elements to keep you suspicious. Just what you need. Prepare for an intense journey through one mother’s time of trial.
★★★ 1/2
On Netflix from 21st April / Asa Butterfield, Siobhan Finneran, Christopher Eccleston, Fra Fee, Molly Windsor, Alexa Davies, Aston McAuley, Darren Strange, Yasmine Holness-Dove, Olivia Pickering / Dir: Philippa Langdale & Jim Loach / 18 / Netflix
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