Unchosen Review: A Disappointing Cult Drama on Netflix
Netflix's new series Unchosen boasts an impressive cast, including Christopher Eccleston and Siobhan Finneran, but this talent is squandered in a drama that starts off mediocre and only declines from there. The show, set within a Christian splinter sect, fails to deliver on its potential, leaving viewers to wonder why such acclaimed actors signed on for this project.
A Promising Premise That Quickly Falters
Unchosen introduces the Fellowship of the Divine, a cult led by Mr Phillips, played by Christopher Eccleston. Eccleston's portrayal is eerily fitting, as his face seems naturally suited to the role of a cult leader, but this cannot salvage the show's lackluster execution. The sect enforces strict gender roles, with women subservient to men, and shuns modern technology, viewing it as a corrupting influence. However, the setup feels unconvincing, described as a Witness-lite relocated to Kent, which undermines the drama's credibility from the outset.
Plot Points That Strain Belief
The story kicks off with a picnic interrupted by a thunderstorm, leading to a deaf child, Grace, running off in fear. Her mother, Rosie, defies orders to search for her, finding Grace drowning in a pond. A mysterious stranger, Sam, rescues the child and disappears, sparking a chain of events that expose the cult's darker side. As Rosie develops fantasies about Sam, her husband Adam's abusive behavior and loyalty to the cult earn him a promotion to Elder, while his brother Isaac is punished for owning a smartphone.
Meanwhile, Rosie hides Sam in a chicken coop, where flashbacks hint at a troubled past involving priests and prison. The narrative attempts to build tension with yearnings, corruption, and escape attempts, but the script remains workmanlike, filled with clichéd lines like Regulations are the word of God. Even when the heart says otherwise. Characters feel like mere chess pieces, lacking depth and emotional resonance.
A Waste of Acting Talent
Siobhan Finneran as Mrs Phillips adds some intrigue, channeling a mix of Nurse Ratched and Mother Superior with a hidden sorrow, but even her performance cannot elevate the material. Asa Butterfield as Adam delivers a creepy portrayal, yet the role is underdeveloped, reducing him to a one-dimensional villain. The overall result is undemanding entertainment that fails to engage, making viewers question their choice to invest four hours in this series.
In summary, Unchosen is a total waste of its talented cast, offering little beyond a by-numbers drama that struggles to captivate. While it may provide mild diversion, it ultimately falls short of breaking new ground or delivering meaningful storytelling.
