TESTAMENT: Review & Giveaway

TESTAMENT is the Book of Acts explosively re-imagined in an alternate modern era. Now streaming exclusively on Angel.com and the Angel App, available to all Angel Guild members. Join the Angel Guild now!

Description

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. This powerful live-action series will challenge you, move you, and make you rethink what it means to truly follow Jesus. Set in a modern world, you’ll connect with these stories and people like never before.

Director

Paul Syrstad is the creator, director, and executive producer of TESTAMENT. He wrote the series alongside Faith Syrstad and Kenneth Omole. “We’ve seen stories about the early Church before, but never quite like this,” Syrstad said. “TESTAMENT captures the spiritual and human struggle of Acts — but in a time that feels just close enough to our own to unsettle you, all whilst staying true to the Biblical account. It’s raw, emotional, and ultimately hopeful.”

Cast

• Kenneth Omole as John Zebedee
• John Omole as James Zebedee
• Tom Simper as Peter
• Charlie Beaven as Stephen
• Eben Figueiredo as Saul
• Yasmin Paige as Mara
• Mogali Masuku as Mary Magdalene
• Stewart Scudamore as Gamaliel
• Mido Hamada as Captain Rosh
• Steve Furst as Caleb
• Lizzie Hopley as Esther

Review

TESTAMENT is a bold and creative re-imagining of the Book of Acts set in a modern dystopian alternative reality, where the Roman Empire (“The Imperium”) still rules over the city of Jerusalem (“Salem”).

For centuries, the Roman Imperium ruled the District of Salem. Its people and the Temple had long hoped for their prophesied liberator. Yet when a rogue preacher was suspected of being this Messiah, the Temple deemed Him a heretic. He was killed, buried, and His followers fled. Weeks passed, and whispers circulated that the crucified man had been seen and His followers had returned to Salem. And then on the morning of Shavuot, commonly known as Pentecost, something new began.

Featuring a diverse cast, this Angel Original series brings to life the early days of the Christian church with powerful performances, rich storytelling, and a contemporary lens. It’s like The Chosen meets The Hunger Games. The series’ cinematic scope, dynamic characters, and emotionally charged narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each episode is full of action and intrigue, ending with a cliffhanger that’s part of a larger story arc, which really heats up in Episode 6. I watched all 8 episodes of the first season in two days!

The wardrobe and set design are out of this world; it’s amazing how they so creatively mixed old and new, and made it work. The show looks like it was filmed in a European city – probably London, judging by the actors’ accents – with views of stately grandeur juxtaposed against bleak public housing projects. There’s even a quote near the beginning where Stephen says, “It’s something old, and yet something new.” It’s funny to hear the apostles saying things like “What’s goin’ on, bro?” Ha! The Sephardic Jews depicted in the show speak in Ladino, also referred to as Judeo-Spanish, which was spoken in some areas of the region.

The very first scene of TESTAMENT quickly grabs your attention! The story begins on Pentecost, when a mysterious wind calls out to the city. Despite his mother’s fears, Stephen follows the call, and joins a ragtag bunch of disciples. Meanwhile, Saul, a Temple prodigy, is shown in a different light as he returns home to find the Pharisee and Sadducee high ministers shaken by the resurgence of Jesus’ followers. It’s really interesting to see the transformation in the characters, especially Stephen and Saul, and how the Holy Spirit moves among the people.

TESTAMENT is both reverent and relevant. The characters contemplate the same types of things that we wonder about today. For example, Stephen doesn’t understand how someone can experience a miracle and still not believe. “Why doesn’t he get it?” On the other hand, “What doesn’t make sense is giving his life away to someone he’s never seen.” But Thomas explains to Stephen, the question isn’t “Can I see Him?” The right question is, “Does He see me?” The formerly doubting Thomas says, “Yes He does.” Later, Stephen tells Malachi, “Even when we feel lonely, we’re never alone.”

TESTAMENT may be set in a different time and place than the Bible, but it follows the Book of Acts very well and does not compromise the Biblical message. In fact, each episode inspired me to read the corresponding passages in the Book of Acts. The series packs a lot more into these verses than is written in the Bible, but everything that they add seems entirely plausible and actually helps in better understanding Acts, by fleshing out the characters and leaving me with a deeper appreciation for what those early believers went through.

TESTAMENT is a great way to introduce teens and adults to the Book of Acts in a fresh and exciting way. Believers and nonbelievers alike will be captivated by the gripping narrative, gritty settings, stirring music, and action-packed scenes in this series. There are moments of deep emotion, intense drama, and surprising joy. The people’s struggles are real, and you can relate to them. The story’s exploration of faith, community, and courage in the face of adversity is a timeless message that resonates with audiences today, making the Book of Acts come alive for a modern generation. I can’t wait for the next season!

Trailer

Each episode is between 47-57 minutes long. Rated TV-PG.

Stream the full season of TESTAMENT today on Angel!

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About Angel

Angel is a values-based distribution company for stories that amplify light to mainstream audiences. Through the Angel Guild, over 1,100,000 paying members from more than 170 different countries help decide what film and television projects the studio will market and distribute. Learn more at Angel.com.

Giveaway

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Disclosure

Many thanks to Angel for providing a one month Angel Guild membership for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #TestamentMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #AngelStudios