Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Having seen many Christian movies and documentaries, I consider myself hard to impress when it comes to this genre. To me, it seems that most Christian producers fall into a rut of predictability with their characters. Their problems and conflicts are often addressed in superficial terms, leaving viewers feeling as if they are watching a Hallmark movie, minus the overworked executive who returns home to the family farm in Kansas, where the love of her life has been patiently waiting.
When “The Chosen” first debuted online in 2019, via VidAngel, I made no effort to watch. About a month ago, out of sheer boredom, I downloaded the “Chosen” app so I could view the series on my phone or mirror it to my TV. After watching the first episode, I was more than impressed, I was hooked. It is no wonder that the show enjoys a 99 percent average audience score on RottenTomatoes.
The film is relatively low-budget, relying primarily on “crowd funding,” which means that viewers are given the option to donate towards the cause, which provides funding for future seasons and allows those who can't afford to donate to watch for free. The lack of flashy sets and special effects forced the producers to focus on creating good characters and good storytelling. They succeeded on both counts.
In the pilot episode, several characters are introduced, none more vibrantly than Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish). Her childhood, traumas and subsequent bondage are portrayed masterfully. She and the other characters are shown in a way that makes them completely believable and authentic. Though some of their stories had to be created to fill in for what is not mentioned in scripture, the show holds true to the Gospel and theology and history, not something easily accomplished. Because Mary's struggles are depicted so graphically, her encounter with Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) and her later transformation, which is seen in episode two, gave me chill bumps.
Because “The Chosen” is slated for eight seasons, story development allows for rich and vibrant portrayals of particular events, such as the turning of water into wine and how beautifully Jesus related to children. These are just two examples of events that receive full episodes, and we are left with a better understanding and appreciation for their significance because of the time given to them.
Another aspect of the program that I greatly admire is the portrayal of the flaws and unique characterizations of Jesus' followers. Thomas' doubts are drawn from his inquisitive nature, which Jesus actually applauds. Jesus is displayed as having a great sense of humor and as a teacher who confronts wrongdoing forcefully, yet with deep compassion. I am near the end of season one in my viewing, and I can't wait to continue this video journey that so powerfully captures the essence of Jesus as a man and the Messiah. “The Chosen” really is “must see TV.”