The Power of 'The Chosen'

Finding something to watch is tough these days, and causes as much existential angst as a last-minute college term paper. Maybe that's an overstatement, but finding the right show can take a lot of time which is frustrating in and of itself. By the time you do decide what to watch, it's usually one in the morning, time to go to bed. You won't, of course. You'll start binging then and there, bargaining with yourself all night long - "Just one more episode. I can get by on only five hours of sleep." Then five becomes four, becomes two, becomes zero. None of that is any guarantee that what you watch will be worth the blaring accusations of the murderous morning sun. Of course, there are other issues when it comes to choosing your latest binge. You might hear about a show from friends or coworkers that's a must-watch, but you don't have that particular streaming service. So you have to find room in your budget for yet another subscription. What if I told you one of the most compelling streaming shows is absolutely 100% free? I know, I know. Lies. Straight-up lies. Nothing is ever free. Even things that seem free have a sneaky paywall waiting to jump out at you like a razor-toothed Demigorgon.

This is not the case with Angel Studios, a faith-based streaming service with a zero-cost model. The catch? Crowdfunding! That's right. The shows are made possible through donations rather than compulsory subscriptions. The crown jewel of Angel Studios is the groundbreaking biblical epic, The Chosen, a multi-season series that takes a closer look at the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Chosen is a fresh and engaging take on the life of Jesus Christ. This remarkable television series has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and high production values. Not since Max Von Sydow donned the shroud in The Greatest Story Ever Told has the story of Jesus been captured with such beauty and gentleness. The attention to detail would make a pin painter envious.

Whether you're a believer seeking a deeper connection with the Gospels and Christ or simply curious about the historical figure known as Jesus of Nazareth, here are five reasons why you should watch The Chosen.

1. Characters with Depth

Say goodbye to one-dimensional portrayals of important biblical figures. The Chosen excels at humanizing the men and women that Jesus touched, bringing them to life in a relatable and authentic way. You can witness first-hand the doubts, struggles, and triumphs of Jesus' disciples as they navigate their journeys alongside their unwavering faith. Take Little James, for example. We can assume that given the period, the number of apostles, and the limited medical care and treatments available, some of them would have had ailments. Though his illness is never explicitly stated (odds were pretty good folks didn't know what ailed them in those days), he walks with an obvious limp at times and tires easily. His struggle is made all the more poignant when Christ gives him the power to heal the lame but does not heal James's ailment. When Little James seeks to address this injustice, the confrontation between him and Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) is so vulnerable and raw you'll be wiping your eyes on your favorite throw blanket. James's heartbreaking statement that the other disciples "are so much more" will ring true with anyone afflicted by disability. This is made all the more powerful when you consider that Jordan Walker Ross, the actor who portrays Little James, has a real-life disability. The actor has mild cerebral palsy and scoliosis. The scene, worthy of every acting award in existence, also shows the human side of Jesus when he says to James, with a soft harshness in his voice, "I love you, but do not ever say that to me again." The unspoken addendum is that every one of the apostles, indeed every one of God's children, is special to Him and they are all worthy to follow Him, a tenet of Christianity that is often overlooked in modern churches.

In scenes like this, through individual stories, and intimate moments, you gain a fresh perspective on these historical figures and develop a deeper understanding of their humanity. Viewers can see something of themselves in every one of the twelve apostles and the women that were integral in supporting Christ's ministry. Elizabeth Tabish, who plays Mary Magdalene, is one of Christ's most devout followers, but she is also the most traumatized of the followers. Despite her outward fragility and demeanor, she is the glue that holds the group together. There is no shortage of strong women in The Chosen.

Worth noting as well is the undercurrent of humor throughout the show. Jesus delivers quips about his Apostles, teasing them about their idiosyncrasies, particularly the temperamental and bullheaded Simon-Peter (Shahar Isaac), the forceful yet often frustrating main character of this sprawling series. There is also one enchanting scene where Jesus plays a game with his childhood friends, including Lazarus, who plays an important role in the latter part of the Gospels.

You also get a Roman perspective on Christ, mostly from the point of view of Gaius (Kirk Woller). The interesting thing about Gaius is that he is not a villain. The Romans have often been portrayed as malevolent in films based on the Bible, but this is not the case in The Chosen. Gaius is not ambiguous or dismissive of the Jews. He simply does not understand them. His working relationship with Matthew (Paras Patel) is one of the most compelling aspects of the series. Despite their differences, he cares for Matthew and would even call him a friend if not for societal expectations and his duties as a soldier of Rome. This represents only one of the ways The Chosen defies expectations. Even among The Pharisees and The Sadducees, the Jewish authorities behind the persecution of Christ, there are rounded characters wrestling with their convictions. Every character in this series has a story, giving them a depth that we don't normally see on the small screen.

2. An Immersive Cinematic Experience

The ancient world represented in The Chosen is bustling with life. The cinematography and production design are impeccable. The high production values allow the creators to deliver a rich and immersive experience. First-century Galilee is portrayed in stunning detail.

When Matthew (Patel) hides in a cart so that no one attacks him for being a tax collector (a maligned position in Jewish society because it meant you were colluding with the Romans and subjecting the Jews to punishing squalor) you can almost smell the hay and goat fur.

When Jesus (Roumie) sits down by a well to take a drink from the Samaritan women, you can practically feel the heat and smell the wildflowers. And even that seemingly ordinary well has a life of its own, a rich history explored in an earlier part of the episode. From the bustling marketplaces to the serene landscapes, from the humble hovels to the venerated temples, everything feels real and viable, pulsating with life and character.

3. Compelling Storytelling

The Chosen weaves a captivating narrative that keeps you eagerly awaiting each episode. The series skillfully combines biblical accounts with fictionalized elements to create a seamless and engaging story arc. The show has been criticized for taking liberties with the Gospels, which it does, but they are informed liberties. The fundamental message remains the same. This is not a watered-down version of the Gospels or pretentious self-help Christianity. This is The Message with world-building and story elements employed to aid the narrative flow. Jesus is not a smiling caricature who tells everyone what they want to hear. He has hard lessons to teach and can often be stern in his rhetoric. But when He speaks of the love of God and the world that awaits, there is a serenity and poise that covers you in lightness and hope.

For the believers who fear that this show will lead them away from the Gospels, this is not the case at all. By bringing this world to life, by weaving together a rich tapestry of story elements, the show's creators actually enhance the message. For those interested in seeing this history unfold, every element is based on historical data and is sensitive to the cultural mores of the era. The fear and distrust, the love and the hope are all tangible and realistic. There is no contortion or artifice involved.

4. Breaking Barriers with Crowdfunding

As mentioned in the opening, The Chosen is featured on a no-cost streaming service known as Angel Studios, and its production is funded solely by donations. Created by Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen was and still is crowdfunded by enthusiastic supporters who believe in the project's vision, of delivering a high-quality show based on the biblical and historic tale of Jesus Christ. This grassroots approach not only empowered the creators to bring their vision to life but also allowed viewers to become active participants in making this groundbreaking series possible. By watching The Chosen, you're supporting an independent project that has defied traditional production norms, making it a true testament to the power of community and passion. Not only that, the creators include the names of everyone that helped and continues to help crowdfund the project in the end credits, making them an essential part of the production process. The attitude of gratitude is apparent and central to the entire process. The people behind this production aren't going to say, "Thanks for the cash, now leave us alone." No, they are grateful for the support and make sure you feel like you are truly a valuable part of the process. It's a beautiful thing.

5. Bridging Faith and Entertainment

The Chosen seamlessly merges faith and entertainment, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of audiences. While the series is rooted in Christian beliefs and biblical narratives, it also embraces universal themes such as love, forgiveness, and redemption that resonate with viewers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a person of faith or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, The Chosen offers a unique and inclusive viewing experience that encourages meaningful conversations and exploration of the human experience. There is a reason people walk away from this show feeling changed. And not in the same way they are changed by a serial killer documentary, walking away from it emotionally scarred. The Chosen will leave you changed for the better. Get used to different.

In a world burdened by choices, there is one choice you will not regret. Even if you binge this show all night and wake up with heavy eyelids, your soul will feel lighter, your heart will feel fuller, and you'll know that you've contributed, in some small way, to perpetuating meaningful, powerful, enlightening entertainment.