There have been countless documentaries and films exploring religious cults that have existed for decades. While several such titles are already available on Netflix, the streaming giant has now brought yet another psychological thriller, Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield. The series traces a chilling line of power, manipulation, and blind belief, which feels disturbingly real. 

Although fictional, there seems to be some truth in the story of Unchosen and its characters

The Netflix psychological thriller Unchosen is not based on one true story. However, the series draws inspiration from several real-life cults, incidents, and the experiences of individuals who managed to escape such groups. In an interview with Tudum, writer Julie Gearey revealed that she connected with former cult members through online forums and social media, listening closely to their stories. 

These firsthand accounts ultimately inspired the characters and story of Unchosen. However, Julie Gearey, who had promised anonymity to those who shared their experiences, did not disclose the names of any specific cults or individuals. So, while the series draws heavily from real-life incidents, the Fellowship of the Divine shown in Unchosen is fictional.

Asa Butterfield, who plays a crucial character in the series, also drew on real-world incidents to play his role as Adam. He told Tudum that he had watched documentaries such as Bruderhof Community, which explores a sect based in Sussex. He also watched other works, such as Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey, and documentaries about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to show the manipulative side of his character in the series. 

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While Unchosen’s real-world inspirations raise the tension, here is a closer look at the fictional characters and story of the series.

Unchosen follows a strict sect known as the Fellowship of the Divine, set in the UK. The story focuses on Rosie, played by Molly Windsor, a woman desperate to escape her manipulative husband, Adam, portrayed by Asa Butterfield. She finds hope when Sam, played by Fra Fee, saves her daughter, seemingly offering a way out. 

However, Sam is not quite what he seems. An escaped convict, he carefully manipulates his connections with both Rosie and Adam to protect his own position. This began the horrifying six-part series, Unchosen.

The show also features a strong cast, including Siobhan Finneran, Christopher Eccleston, Olivia Pickering, Aston McAuley, Alexa Davies, and Ethan Davidson. The cast showed a brilliant performance that made the events in Unchosen feel even more real. Although the story is fictional and draws only on inspiration from real experiences and events, the series is remains quite terrifying.

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Do you think the real incidents source inspiration for Unchosen make it terrifying? Share your thoughts.