Testament

I went for this without knowing what it was about. I knew there was something "supernatural" about it, but that was all.

It took me a while to understand what was happening and who the characters were. My native language is not English and I watched it without subtitles, to I didn't immediately associate the characters to the Bible, as I know the names they're called in my language.

When I realized what was happening I was surprised. I never imagined event he possibility of doing something like this, meaning "bringing an ancient story to the modern days". I recommend everyone watches this, if for nothing else, just for what it is. Bringing the story to our days, making it relatable, completely changes the weight of the human drama. Suddenly, Steven is not just a character anymore, but a real person who could be one of my friends.

I don't give it a 10 because:

(1) I'm not sure that someone who doesn't know the story will be able to follow or understand what's happening. I've read "The Acts" multiple times and I only realized that was what it was about by the second episode. Someone who never read it will probably get in the beginning lost and stay lost until the end. So, I'd recommend to anyone planning to watch this, read The Acts of the Apostles first and then watch it. I think you'll have a better experience.

(2) Afaik, no apostle or Pharisee was a Canaanite. There were all Jews and that was the rule until "The Acts" part of the story, where the Gentiles would also be welcome to hear the good news. So, the DEI casting doesn't help. Having said that the way the Apostles were played by the "diverse" cast was flawless: common, everyday people, with real emotions, doubts, limitations, great faith, but sometimes slipping into doubt, as real human beings.

(3) I don't know how to explain, but the locations didn't feel right. It felt like a theater play, with limited scenarios. It also felt like there was no connection among locations, like if the disciples apartments/shelter, Steven's home and the Temple were in different countries. I would say the same for some street shots. The locations don't feel like they belong in the same city.

My husband and I both agree that this is one of the best, if not the best show/movie produced by Angel studios. I really applaud the creators and actors for sticking true to the narrative of the book of Acts (as much as one can when recreating and adding a modern day twist). This show has deepened my perspective and added life to the book of Acts, while doing a phenomenal job of not taking too many creative liberties or diluting the book itself. I also have found myself diving into the scriptures found within Acts, and it has increased my awareness and understanding of how difficult it must have been for the disciples and new believers. All in all, I highly recommend this show!

Seriously though. I also really enjoyed the distopian feel. The world felt real and tangible - mad props to production design, DP, sound and effects! Wardrobe and music too! Honestly, everything came together so we'll in support of the story and the characters. I KNOW this story and yet I was still craving each new episode. Will do whatever for season 2 and beyond to happen.

Last things, this show has been one of the best depictions of Saul of Tarsus as a person for me. I wasn't sure at first, but that's just because actor and director did so well in making me think he was one way in the beginning. I actually do think The Chosen team will do well to review this as reference when they do their version of Acts.

And finally, S1E7 opening. I will watch again, and again, and again. With my tissue box.

This is such a cool way to present bible stories. First of all it is entertaining and captures my attention. It's really enjoyable. Secondly, it has caused me to see Peter, Saul and the other apostles in a different light. I am learning differently and it is inspiring. I find the stories more relatable to my life.

I can watch this with my family, we all love it and we have had great conversations about the gospel. Highly recommend.

Testament brings the narrative of the early gospel movement to life right before your eyes, in a modern context. Not cheesy, but faithful to the sacred text in its message in many ways. It's well done, I anticipate the new releases every week. One of the best things I enjoy is seeing the humanity of those who are heroes of the faith. We see their doubts, their emotions, relational tension between them and with family members. Even the fact that they had family members and lived in a complicated in between world adds to the dynamics. Intensity, joy, surprise, sorrow... you see a full range of emotions and I felt that I could relate to the characters.