Netflix's latest thriller Unchosen has captivated audiences with its eerie portrayal of a religious cult. Fans are eager to know if the series is based on a true story.
What Is Unchosen About?
The miniseries stars Molly Windsor as Rosie, a wife and mother living in a secluded Christian cult called the Church of The Fellowship of the Divine. Her life takes a turn when she meets Sam (Fra Fee), an escaped convict who offers her a glimpse of the outside world. Her husband Adam (Asa Butterfield) enforces a submissive lifestyle, hiding a darker reality behind their happy facade.
Is Unchosen Based on a Real Cult?
While real-life cults exist, the specific cult in Unchosen is entirely fictional. Actress Molly Windsor explained in an interview with Country and Townhouse that she worked closely with writer Julie Gearey to define the fictional fellowship's dynamics. The series itself clarifies in its opening seconds: “Over two thousand cults exist in the United Kingdom. Some are closed communities. But many, like this fictional one, live in plain sight.”
Inspiration from Real Experiences
Writer Julie Gearey did draw inspiration from real-life former cult members. She reached out to survivors through online forums and social media, speaking with them about their experiences. Gearey told Tudum: “What we found was that quite a lot of them were traumatised. It was important to reassure them that nobody watching the show would ever recognise them and that whatever they had to say about the emotional experience of being involved, we would try to respect and reflect as truthfully as possible within the show.”
Unchosen is now streaming on Netflix.
