The Chosen is not your average drama: Of course, the series combines intrigue and anxiety with interpersonal relationships, but this series follows the life of Jesus as he gains his following. Over four seasons, the people behind the biblical drama have built an authentic New Testament world, culminating in this fifth season (though the team has planned a rumored sixth and seventh season). As the title indicates, we’ll experience Jesus’ journey to the crucifix.
The Chosen: The Last Supper is a three-part theatrical release of the fifth season of the popular historical drama produced by director Dallas Jenkins. The first ever multi-season show about Jesus stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, Vanessa Benavente as Mary, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, George Harrison Xanthis as John, Noah James as Andrew, and Shahar Issac as Simon-Peter, among many others of the fabulous cast.
The first installment of the three-part release, including Episodes 1 and 2, showcases Jesus’s final week prior to crucifixion. The audience can follow the story of Jesus as he navigates the ever-tense Jerusalem. From both the perspectives of friends and foes, The Last Supper retells the famous biblical events of Palm Sunday, the final Passover meal, and Jesus’s last moments before crucifixion.
Part 1 of The Last Supper brilliantly combines the two-thousand-year-old written narrative with historical drama. As viewers are taken alongside Jesus’s journey, they are also able to view the accounts of the twelve disciples first-hand. While the disciples’ accounts make for an even more emotional and intense undertone to the story, director Jenkins simultaneously allows for the inclusion of witty banter and chuckle-worthy moments.
Roumie plays Jesus of Nazareth, who leads the twelve disciples he has chosen to accompany him on his journey. Roumie absolutely nails the role as Jesus, making for both a super lovable and human character. At the end of the day, while Jesus serves to be a compassionate religious leader and teacher, he’s also just a regular person going through the journey of his own life. Jesus adds in some comical moments of his own throughout the show as well, making him the definition of “cool-dad” energy—though there are points as he enters Jerusalem that The Chosen depicts Jesus as something of a rockstar, with people screaming and chanting his name, with hands reaching out to grab him.
Vanessa Benavente as Mary brings a whole new meaning to the role of Jesus’s mother. Mary embodies everything we love about mothers: her gentle-nature, kindness, and care. Throughout The Chosen, mother Mary serves to be a mother for all. From combing Jesus’s hair to her interactions with the disciples, one can’t help but wonder if she is one of the superwomen that inspired Mother’s Day.
The second Mary of the series, Mary Magdalene, is played by Elizabeth Tabish. Despite being a follower of Jesus, Mary Magdalene herself is not perfect, and that’s what makes her character so amazing! Viewers are able to see both sides of the coin to Tabish’s character: Mary’s struggles with her past turmoil as well as her special connection with the other disciples. Mary Magdalene’s personal development in the series is one that inspires many watchers of The Chosen, and her costume-design is gorgeous!
George Harrison Xanthis kills the role of John, much like the rest of the cast does with their own characters! One thing John has in common with Mary Magdalene is that the disciple is one step ahead of the game when it comes to deciphering Jesus’s parables. John shares a funny yet sweet relationship with his older brother, Big James. When the brothers aren’t bickering, they’re up to harmless mischief, or sharing a classic family moment with their father Zebedee.
Noah James and Shahar Isaac are the comedic duo we never knew we needed. James, who plays Andrew, and Isaac, who acts as Simon-Peter, are a another pair of brothers who honestly and hilariously reflect some of our own sibling dynamics away from the silver screen. If it comes down to relationship-advice, brotherly-quarrels, or a good heart-to-heart, Andrew and Simon-Peter are your guys.
The colorful and lively visuals of The Chosen additionally bring a sense of what it was like to experience life in this historical piece. From the bustling streets of Jerusalem, the aromatic spices and goods in the marketplaces, to the vibrant fabrics of the costume design, the cinematography is the epitome of aesthetic. Regardless of it being a recreation of the original biblical story, The Last Supper truly and accurately pays homage to ancient times.
The Last Supper does a fabulous job of retelling the biblical story of Jesus. While bringing old Jerusalem to life, the series additionally creates an atmosphere that includes viewers in Jesus’s journey. The historical drama is one-of-a-kind: sharing messages of love, forgiveness, and unity while reframing the perception of Jesus into a modern one. Roumie and the entirety of the cast share these themes beautifully, and make for lovable characters you’re sure to remember! Whether or not you’re a biblical fan, The Chosen is definitely worth the watch.
The first part of The Chosen: The Last Supper will be released on March 28th. Make sure to grab a seat at a theater near you!
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