The Chosen: Last Supper – Part One (2025): A Poignant, Faithful Prelude to Christ’s Final Days
Released on March 28, 2025, The Chosen: Last Supper – Part One is a theatrical presentation of the first two episodes of Season 5 of the crowdfunded TV series The Chosen, created by Dallas Jenkins. Distributed by Fathom Events, this 130-minute film, rated A-II (adults and adolescents), stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus Christ, alongside Shahar Isaac, Paras Patel, David Amito, and a robust ensemble portraying the disciples. Set during Holy Week, it captures Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his cleansing of the Temple, and the somber Last Supper, weaving a narrative that’s both biblically rooted and emotionally resonant. With its stunning cinematography, heartfelt performances, and a strong Christian worldview, The Chosen: Last Supper – Part One is a compelling start to the series’ climactic arc, though its episodic structure and dense cast may challenge newcomers. This 800-word review explores its strengths, flaws, and why it’s a must-see for fans and faithful alike.
A Biblical Epic with Human Heart
The Chosen: Last Supper – Part One opens at the Last Supper, where Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) speaks candidly to his disciples, foreshadowing his impending betrayal and death (John 16:16–17:5). He warns that they will abandon him, yet assures them of his divine connection to the Father, setting a somber tone. The narrative then flashes back to Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1–17, Mark 11:1–11), depicting Jesus’ celebrated entry into Jerusalem amid shouts of “Hosanna!” The joy is short-lived as he confronts corruption in the Temple, overturning tables of moneychangers in a bold act that sparks tension with the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas and Roman authorities. Behind the scenes, forces conspire to silence Jesus, setting the stage for Judas’ betrayal.
The film, like the series, humanizes biblical figures, focusing on the disciples’ struggles—Simon’s stage fright while preaching, Matthew’s guilt over his past, and John’s grappling with loyalty. While staying close to Scripture, it takes creative liberties, adding extrabiblical moments like Simon’s sermon flop or Andrew’s encounters in the Decapolis to flesh out their journeys. Critics praise its “compelling and powerful narrative” that infuses familiar events with “a new sense of urgency,” making the story accessible to believers and newcomers alike. Thematically, it emphasizes faith, the sovereignty of God, and the heart’s role in salvation, aligning with the series’ mission to point viewers to Christ’s divinity and sacrifice.
Standout Performances and Emotional Depth
Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus remains the emotional cornerstone, blending warmth, wisdom, and quiet sorrow. His delivery during the Last Supper scenes, drawn from John’s Upper Room Discourse, is “poignant and moving,” capturing Jesus’ love for his disciples despite knowing their failings. Roumie’s ability to make Jesus relatable yet divine—especially in moments of solitude or when cleansing the Temple—grounds the film’s spiritual weight. Shahar Isaac’s Peter shines as he wrestles with self-doubt, his vulnerability adding depth to a disciple often reduced to impulsiveness. Paras Patel’s Matthew and David Amito’s John also impress, their internal conflicts reflecting the disciples’ human frailties.
The ensemble’s chemistry, built over five seasons, creates a believable camaraderie, with moments of humor (Simon’s preaching mishap) balancing the looming tragedy. However, the large cast can overwhelm newcomers, as the film makes little effort to introduce characters, assuming familiarity with the series. Supporting players like Elizabeth Tabish’s Mary and Luke Dimyan’s Judas add nuance, with Judas’ growing disillusionment subtly foreshadowed, setting up his pivotal role in later parts.
Technical Mastery and Cinematic Craft
Dallas Jenkins’ direction is confident, maintaining The Chosen’s signature balance of intimacy and grandeur. The cinematography, particularly during the Last Supper, is “beautiful,” with candlelit scenes emphasizing the moment’s solemnity. The Palm Sunday sequence captures the crowd’s fervor, while the Temple cleansing is visceral, with dynamic camera work and sound design amplifying Jesus’ righteous anger. Debojeet Ray’s visuals contrast Jerusalem’s bustling pluralism with quiet moments of reflection, like Jesus praying alone, highlighting his isolation. The score, while understated, complements the emotional beats, though it lacks the iconic punch of Hans Zimmer’s work in other epics.
The film’s episodic roots are both a strength and a weakness. Its non-linear structure, starting at the Last Supper and flashing back to Holy Week, keeps viewers engaged but can feel disjointed for those expecting a traditional movie arc. The production’s scale—bolstered by crowdfunding—rivals Hollywood blockbusters, with detailed sets and costumes that immerse viewers in 1st-century Judea. However, some creative liberties, like expanded Pharisee dialogues or Simon’s preaching subplot, may jar purists expecting strict adherence to the Gospels.
Strengths and Shortcomings
The Chosen: Last Supper – Part One excels in bringing biblical events to life with authenticity and emotional resonance. Its focus on the disciples’ human struggles makes the story relatable, while its fidelity to Scripture—covering Palm Sunday, the Temple cleansing, and Jesus’ teachings—ensures theological depth. The film’s message, stressing God’s sovereignty and the heart’s role in faith, resonates powerfully, especially for Christian audiences. The Temple sequence, rooted in Mark 11:17, is a highlight, underscoring Jesus’ zeal for his Father’s house.
However, its episodic format feels more like a TV premiere than a standalone film, potentially alienating viewers unfamiliar with the series. The large cast and lack of character introductions can confuse newcomers. Some pacing issues arise from the dense narrative, and while the film is family-friendly, its somber tone and mild violence (e.g., Temple chaos) may be heavy for younger children. Compared to The Passion of the Christ, it’s less visceral but more character-driven, which may not satisfy those seeking raw intensity.
Reception and Impact
With a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and strong praise on social media for its “realistic” and “brilliant” depiction, the film has solidified The Chosen’s fanbase. Critics laud its production quality and Roumie’s performance, though some note its niche appeal for series fans. It grossed modestly in theaters, reflecting its targeted Christian audience, with streaming on the Chosen app planned post-release. Social media posts highlight its emotional impact, with fans calling it “the best premiere yet”.
Should You Watch It?
The Chosen: Last Supper – Part One is a heartfelt, visually stunning prelude to Jesus’ passion, perfect for fans of the series and those seeking a faith-driven retelling of Holy Week. Roumie’s Jesus and the disciples’ relatable struggles make it engaging, though newcomers may need context. Its biblical fidelity and emotional depth outweigh minor pacing issues, making it a worthy theater experience. Catch it for its intimate portrayal of Christ’s love and sacrifice, and stay tuned for Parts Two and Three.
Rating: 4/5
