The Chosen

The Chosen, a show produced by VidAngel and featuring Erick Avari, Brandon Potter, Kirk B. R. Woller, Yasmine Al-Bustami, and Alaa Safi, is a groundbreaking series with a unique perspective on some of the iconic figures and stories from biblical history. The show was first premiered in 2017, and it has since captivated audiences from all walks of life with its powerful narratives and stellar performances.

The show primarily revolves around the life of Jesus Christ, but it goes beyond just retelling the New Testament story. It tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of those who have encountered him and those who became his closest followers. From Simon Peter and Mary Magdalene to Nicodemus and Matthew the tax collector, the show delves deeply into the lives of Jesus' disciples, providing biblical stories with an unprecedented depth of human context. It gives audiences a more intimate and personal understanding of these historical figures, their struggles, their faith, and their unquestionable devotion.

Erick Avari, known from movies such as Stargate and The Mummy, brings seasoned gravitas and exceptional range to the series with his embodiment of Nicodemus, a learned Pharisee who starts to question his beliefs after encounters with Jesus. Brandon Potter sheds new light on the fiery character of Simon Peter. Potter’s compelling performance perfectly captures the ebbs and flows in Simon's life - his struggles to keep up with taxes and his transformation from a man of doubtful faith to a faithful disciple.

Kirk B. R. Woller, as Gaius, an accomplished Roman officer working for the brutal empire, portrays the character's deep internal conflict with a subtle intensity that has gained widespread acclaim from the show’s viewership. Yasmine Al-Bustami, as a lively and empathetic Pharisee servant, gives a memorable performance that brings a touch of sensitivity to her multi-dimensional character.

Alaa Safi, in the role of Jesus' disciple Thaddeus, brings a quiet strength to his character, impressively portraying the internal battles and the steadfast faith of a man determined to follow Jesus, despite the challenges that come his way.

Located in the 1st century AD, the show offers a vivid and realistic portrayal of the times and culture then. The costumes, the sets, and the cinematography all contribute to creating an immersive experience that transports viewers back in time. The thoughtful dialogue, combined with the emotional depth of the characters, adds a compelling layer to the biblical events that have become familiar to many of us.

The Chosen breaks the traditional mold of telling Biblical stories. Instead of being a simple line-by-line narration of events, it presents characters who are multi-dimensional and nuanced. The storyline is an intricate weave of multiple narratives, each casting new light on biblical accounts and bringing forth thought-provoking concepts about faith, humanity, and divine intervention.

Moreover, it's not just the storytelling that makes The Chosen a groundbreaking series, but also its unique production model. It became the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus, and it was also entirely crowd-funded. It debuted on its own digital platform, making it accessible for viewers cross platforms globally. The show's creators wanted to bring high-production-value storytelling to faith-based content, and the result was nothing short of spectacular.

The Chosen, with its innovative perspective on the life of Jesus Christ and his disciples, is much more than a faith-based series. It’s a dramatically rich, character-driven drama that appeals to people of all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs. Every element of the show, from the nuanced performances to the intricate storytelling, contributes to its unique ability to humanize and personalize biblical figures, making stories from over two millennia ago come alive and resonate with the viewers of today. In essence, The Chosen redefines the faith-based genre through its high-quality production, dynamic storytelling, and nuanced performances.