Netflix's new psychological thriller Unchosen follows Rosie (Molly Windsor) as she questions life within the fictional Fellowship of the Divine – a strict, technology-banning cult. While the sect is invented, the series draws heavily on real British cults, informed by writer Julie Gearey's research into groups operating across the UK.
Gearey, who grew up near an area in the south of England where some schoolmates had parents in cults, interviewed former members about their experiences. Director Jim Loach told The Independent that he was fascinated by the push-and-pull between the positive sense of community and the unchecked power, patriarchy, and closed nature of such societies.
One true story that resonated with Loach involved a woman thrown out of a religious sect who would sit outside the meeting hall to listen to the singing, unseen by members. Another plot line – a character being waterboarded with whiskey – was not a direct recreation, but former worshippers reported alcohol was used as a tool during high-pressure prayer meetings and disciplinary visits by cult Elders.
Gearey reassured interviewees that the show would not identify them personally. She aimed to respect and reflect the emotional truth of their experiences. The series, starring Asa Butterfield as Rosie's husband Adam, explores the sinister rise of leadership within the cult.
While cults in media often focus on American groups, Gearey found more than 2,000 operating in the UK. Recent cases include three men from the Lighthouse life-coaching cult sentenced for harassing a BBC journalist, and an investigation revealing historic child sexual abuse in the Jesus Army cult, affecting one in six children.
Unchosen is now streaming on Netflix.
