NR | 8 episodes | Drama | 2025
This film is sort of like Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” but even more dystopian. There are also disciples, but that doesn’t sit well with the Roman Empire (now known as “The Imperium”), which never fell. Jesus has already come, died, and come again, leaving his followers to build the early Christian church.
Creator-director Paul Syrstad reimagines “The Acts of the Apostles,” a book of the Bible’s New Testament, in a modern-day, alternate-history setting, but largely stays faithful to the original biblical figures throughout the new series, “Testament.”
Episode 1, “Something Old,” starts on Pentecost. Peter (Tom Simper) delivers a sermon, as those who know their Bible might expect. It’s incredibly well-received by the surprised crowd.
Most of those gathered immediately join Peter and his fellow Apostles, including Mary of Magda (Mogali Masuku), and the intense Zebedee brothers, John (Kenneth Omole) and James (John Omole). Earnest young Stephen (Charlie Beaven) becomes one of their new converts, much to the alarm of his mother, Esther (Lizzie Hopley). Indeed, many of these characters’ names should sound familiar.
The Pharisee and Sadducee high ministers are also quite concerned. They assumed the Romans had solved their problem with the troublesome mystery cult by crucifying its leader, Jesus. However, his followers suddenly rebound, stronger than ever.
Even the revered rabbinical teacher Gamaliel (Stewart Scudamore) finds cause for concern, despite his reputation for moderation and integrity. His former star pupil, Saul of Tarsus (Eben Figueiredo), now an official of growing prominence, is particularly alarmed by the reports of the apparently miraculous healing of lame beggar Caleb (Steve Furst). Paul is also more inclined to take direct action. There might be a name change in Saul’s future, but not now—not yet.
The Early Church
Obviously, “Testament” is based on biblical source material and celebrates the courage and faith of the apostles and the early church they built. Yet, based on the first two episodes provided for review, the tone never feels like an overt attempt to proselytize viewers. Instead, it draws suspense from the tenacity of the underground Christian movement resisting the oppressive Orwellian pseudo-Roman regime.
Both Syrstad’s direction and the work of the large ensemble are vastly more polished than viewers outside the Evangelical Christian movement might expect. The “Salem” settings are often real-life London locations; they nicely combine stately grandeur with depressingly modern-looking Brutalist housing projects and public works.
The cast is also uniformly professional, and often several degrees better. Scudamore already establishes the moral ambiguity of Gamaliel, as well as his sophisticated scholarship. The Omole brothers are both charismatic as the brooding Zebedee brother-apostles. Frankly, in just two episodes, Simper already vividly portrays a dramatic character development arc for the Apostle Peter.
Character Arcs
Figuieredo also hints at a softer family-oriented side to Saul’s hardline ideological rigidity that will presumably add credibility to his presumed later conversion. Technically, that is an educated guess, rather than a spoiler. However, many of the Apostles’ antagonists like Temple Guards Mara (Yasmin Paige) and Captain Rosh (Mido Hamada) lean into familiar villainous stereotypes.
Regardless, the talented cast help make “Testament” surprisingly watchable outside Evangelical or Catholic circles. It represents the flip side of “Handmaid’s Tale,” (a futuristic novel by Margaret Atwood) addressing faith amid an extreme alternate dystopian timeline.
Popular biblical adaptations are making a comeback, with the success of “The Chosen” and Angel Studios’s animated “The King of Kings.” Such productions used to be a staple of Hollywood. Some, like “The Ten Commandments,” reflected a reverence for its subject matter, while others were largely sword-and-sandals epics carrying a fig leaf of Christianity. Viewers who prefer either approach should be able to relate to the storytelling in “Testament.”
Syrstad definitely captures the sensation of being part of a massive social movement building to critical mass despite, and because of, corrupt official opposition. Many of the speculative designs of the crypto-Roman Imperium are also quite visually striking. The Centurion analogues almost resemble Cylons from “Battlestar Galactica.”
If they have an open mind, both devout and secular viewers can find elements to enjoy in “Testament.” Recommended for fans of biblical dramas and alternate history.
“Testament” streams on Angel.
Testament
Director: Paul Syrstad
Starring: Eben Figueiredo, Charlie Beaven, Mogali Masuku, Tom Simper, Stewart Scudamore
Not Rated
Running Time: 8 episodes
Release Date: June 8, 2025
Rated: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
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