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Beginning with its pilot episode in 2017 and a first full season in 2019, Dallas Jenkins' Gospel-based TV series "The Chosen" has attracted a wide audience. The show has been successfully crowdfunded, with viewers supporting it financially as well as with their attention.
"The Chosen: Last Supper – Part 1," a theatrical release featuring the first two episodes of the program’s fifth season, offers newcomers a glimpse into the series' appeal. However, the film does not clearly identify all the characters in its large cast, which may be confusing for new viewers. Those familiar with Scripture will still be able to follow the plot, which recounts the early events of Holy Week. This narrative begins with Jesus' (Jonathan Roumie) triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ends with his cleansing of the Temple.
The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Andrew James Allen), and the Jewish leaders, including Caiaphas the high priest (Richard Fancy), are uncertain about how to respond to Jesus' increasing popularity. The apostles are also depicted as being confused by Jesus' warnings of future sorrow.
Jenkins and his team continue to present believable human interactions in the subplots. A particularly touching scene shows Jesus encountering a wedding feast and blessing the bride and groom after being recognized.
This portion of the show maintains the series' standard of sophisticated religious entertainment, but some mature themes may make it unsuitable for younger audiences. The film includes brief stylized violence and sexual references. It also features a discussion on Jewish ritual purity that could be seen as inadvertently challenging Christian moral standards. Although mature audiences may draw different conclusions, such themes are not suited for younger viewers.
For adults and older teens, this narrative offers thoughtful and impressive Lenten content. It serves as a spiritually enriching preparation for Easter without being burdensome.
The OSV News classification is A-II, indicating suitability for adults and adolescents. The film is not rated by the Motion Picture Association.
John Mulderig, a media reviewer for OSV News, suggests following him on X with the handle @JohnMulderig1.
