The Chosen One

"The Chosen One" is a fascinating and gripping Brazilian television series that aired on Netflix in 2019. Set in a secluded fishing village known as Aguazul in Brazil's Pantanal, the show employs an intriguing mix of medical drama, religious fervor, myth, and eeriness to keep viewers enthralled throughout its course.

The story initially revolves around the lives of three idealistic doctors – Lucia, Damiao, and Enzo, who are intent on bringing a Zika vaccine to the inhabitants of Aguazul. In pursuit of a noble mission, they fearlessly venture into a world unseen and unknown, unwittingly stepping into a realm of supernatural phenomena and perplexing mysteries that challenge their worldly medical expertise and rational understanding.

Upon arrival in Aguazul, the medical trio realizes that the situation is much different from what they had anticipated. They quickly find themselves immersed in a community enveloped in mystical traditions and staunchly opposed to modern medicine. The village folks passionately follow a charismatic figure known only as The Chosen One, whose supposed healing powers are considered infallible. For them, faith is the best antidote, and modern medicine is nothing more than an intrusion.

The bulk of the narrative is devoted to the ensuing events as the villagers' unwavering faith in The Chosen One and the doctors' commitment to science collide head-on. The doctors, initially confident in their abilities to convince the villagers to accept the vaccine, find themselves faced with unexplained phenomena, pushing them to question their own beliefs. The Chosen One, however, progressively reveals more about his strange healings and the ultimate purpose behind them.

"The Chosen One", based on a Mexican series "Niño Santo", stands out from numerous other series in the same genre with its unique blend of drama, myths, religious belief, and cryptic undertones. Despite its supernatural themes, the show never loses touch with human realities and emotions. The characters are well-rounded, each with their own complexities and dilemmas, making them relatable and keeping the viewers invested.

The show's creators, Raphael Draccon and Carolina Munhóz, expertly incorporate elements of suspense and surprise that keep viewers on tenterhooks, compelling them to watch one episode after another. The plot unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the tension to build up gradually and ensuring that viewers remain engaged even as the narrative unveils different layers of the mystery. The series has a balanced mix of unpredictability and continuity that ensures that the suspense doesn't become monotonous.

Visually, "The Chosen One" is stunning, with cinematography that beautifully captures the charm and mystery of the Brazilian countryside. The series leverages the isolated and nearly untouched nature of Aguazul to create a sense of awe and terror simultaneously. The expertly crafted atmosphere significantly contributes to developing the sense of mystery that pervades the series.

Production standards are top-notch, with outstanding performances by the ensemble cast. Paloma Bernardi, Pedro Caetano, and Gutto Szuster excel in their roles as the flustered yet determined doctors, and Renan Tenca is compelling as the eponymous Chosen One. Moreover, the series also benefits from a hauntingly beautiful score that accentuates the mysticism and suspense coursing through each episode.

"The Chosen One" ends up being much more than a battle between science and faith; it probes into the depth of human psychology and questions our understanding of belief. The plot is smart and filled with unexpected twists, and the script includes moments of wicked humor to break the tension.

Overall, "The Chosen One" offers a captivating blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and human drama. Adorned with impressive performances and a well-crafted storyline, this series definitely deserves a watch.