TV series and films with a Christian message continue to represent an important slice of the global audiovisual landscape.

The most well-known example is The Chosen, a series followed by millions of viewers worldwide or The House of David, one of the most-watched series on Prime Video.

Continuing with this biblical theme, on 8 June the US production company Angel Studios premiered Testament, which portrays “the Book of Acts explosively reimagined in an alternate-modern era”, according to official synopsis.

“A resurrection sparks a movement that turns the world upside down, spreading hope amid chaos. As the followers risk everything to preach the good news, the Temple races to silence them before the oppressive Imperium regime retaliates. But public miracles, unburied secrets, and fractured loyalties force both sides to confront the true cost of their choices”, it adds.

Cast and crew

The series is directed by Paul Syrstad, who is also the creator and executive producer, and it is produced by Roarlight.

The main cast includes Eben Figueiredo as Saul of Tarsus; Charlie Beaven as Stephen; Yasmin Paige as Mara; Stewart Scudamore as Gamaliel; Mogali Masuku as Mary of Magdala; and Tom Simper as Peter, among others.

“The whole show is about Jesus”

“We hope to draw in a younger audience and remind viewers of the ground-breaking movement Christians are called to be a part of”, say the authors of the show on its website.

“I hope all people watch this. And if they are already believers, that they just re-engage with the story, whether they come away agreeing, thinking deeper about something, or more convicted about what they already thought. Let’s just re-engage with the Word. I think the Word should always be challenging us”, Syrstad told Movieguide.

The director pointed out hat he wants to “invite people to engage with the story of the early church and with the One that the whole show is about, who is Jesus and the Holy Spirit”.