The Chosen

Well-written, well-cast, well-acted. So so happy this show exists.

I've viewed the Christmas/Shepherd pilot and the first four episodes of season one. The extensive research into the life and times of Christ results in a high level of authenticity. Accuracy was a prevailing priority. The characters 'personalities are slowly peeled in layers through the episodes. There's stellar portrayals of some, especially when placed in the appropriate environs, and will leave a residue long after the video stops, . You will want to see more. There is a reason this series is the highest crowd funded video project.

My wife wanted me to watch The Chosen with her, and I avoided it for weeks, because I expected yet another well-intentioned but 'cheesy' Christian production. Then I finally gave in. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG. This production is amazing! The quality of the scripts, acting, and sets are all on a par with the production values of a well-regarded Hollywood 'short season' series. And the depiction of the historical culture and the conjectural backstories for key figures around Jesus are BETTER than anything I have seen elsewhere. If you are at all curious about a fresh take on the life of Jesus that still maintains rigorous effort to remain true to the New Testament record, I would HIGHLY recommend this series!

Following the progress of this idea from dream to reality, I was excited to have access to the first four episodes. This series is unlike any Biblical portrayal of the life of Christ to date - the characters are fresh and real- check out Abigail!! And a Jesus who winks! And doesn't glow or act ethereal! These first four episodes bring the Gospels to life in a way that immerses us into a culture and recounting that feels authentic. Kudos to everyone involved- I can't wait for more.

I'm honestly really impressed by what the makers of this show have accomplished. It's such a unique take that they've given to the story, this sort of "street-level view" of those people that encountered Jesus. Reading these stories in the Bible again and again makes it easy to become detached from the fact that these were real people living real lives dealing with real struggles, going to work, hanging with friends, making jokes, eating lunch, and stepping in animal poop 😂 but they've brought it all to life in an engaging and relatable way where the tight budget seldom shows.

I love that this show doesn't feel preachy, like most Christian media. The way the camera kind of bobs and sways as it follows the action lends an almost documentarian vibe that makes me feel like I'm simply witnessing a story unfold. No agenda. No sermon. Just good old fashioned storytelling. Of course, we know that there is a very profound message to it all, but the filmmakers are smart enough to let the audience figure it out for themselves without thumping them over the head with "Christian talk."

The actor portraying Jesus does so with an unflinching kindness and empathy that makes him instantly trustworthy and lovable in every. single. scene. So props to him for his amazing work and props to the casting team for finding him!

This is a great show that, even if not suited to everyone's tastes, is bound to challenge our mental perception of these people and their stories. It makes these characters feel real, brings Jesus to life in a new way, and has some fun with artistic license while still honoring God's Word.

Christian filmmakers take note: THIS is how you do it!