Sex Education star Asa Butterfield and Doctor Who’s Christopher Eccleston lead Netflix’s dark new thriller Unchosen

A woman hugs a young girl to her chest in a busy room

Rosie starts to question who to trust in Unchosen(Image: NETFLIX)

Unchosen is arriving on Netflix shortly, and the unsettlingly dark series, which is one of many Netflix thrillers, has already generated significant buzz amongst devotees of cult thrillers.

The programme, which features an impressive ensemble cast of major household names like Happy Valley’s Siobhan Finneran, centres on Rosie – a dedicated wife and mother living within a fictional conservative religious community.

Her life takes an unexpected turn following an encounter with Sam, an escaped prisoner, leading her on a “dangerous journey of female emancipation and sexual awakening”.

The enigmatic Sam’s appearance exposes the fractures in Rosie’s marriage to her husband Adam, prompting her to question whether her upbringing truly served her best interests.

Netflix teased: “Sam presents himself as Rosie’s saviour, but with his dark criminal past, where does the greatest danger lie – with the cult, or with Sam?”

Here’s everything you need to know about the forthcoming series.

A man reads from a book in front of an audience

Asa Butterfield takes on a dark and disturbing role in Unchosen(Image: NETFLIX)

When is Unchosen out?

Julie Gearey, the writer and creator behind Intergalactic, is responsible for this new series, which focuses on an insulated Christian community.

Netflix teased: “The fateful arrival of the mysterious Sam, an escaped prisoner, throws into relief the reality and restraints of Rosie’s world: Perhaps her hidden religious community doesn’t have her best interests at heart.”

The miniseries is set to launch on Netflix on April 21, with all episodes available simultaneously, allowing fans to binge-watch the entire show at their leisure.A woman in plain clothing sits at a table with a mug

Siobhan Finneran is in the star-studded cast of Unchosen(Image: NETFLIX)

Who features in the cast of Unchosen?

Sex Education star Asa Butterfield portrays Adam, Rosie’s deeply devoted husband who upholds the cult’s beliefs, even at the expense of his own family.

Three Girls star Molly Windsor takes on the role of Rosie, Adam’s wife who begins to doubt those closest to her.

Irish heartthrob and Les Misérables star Fra Fee portrays Sam, a fugitive who opens Rosie’s eyes to a life beyond the cult’s restrictive boundaries.

Happy Valley legend Siobhan Finneran appears as Mrs Phillips, the cult leader’s wife who harbours deeply troubling secrets.

Doctor Who icon Christopher Eccleston portrays Mr Phillips, the cult’s figurehead who also has much to conceal.

Child actress Olivia Pickering plays Grace, the hearing-impaired daughter of Rosie and Adam.

A man with a bare torso sits in front of a woman

Irish star Fra Fee plays escaped convict Sam(Image: NETFLIX)

How many episodes does Unchosen have?

The series comprises six episodes, each running between 40 and 50 minutes. Billed as a miniseries, a second series appears unlikely.

This will come as welcome news to those who enjoy settling in for a straightforward binge-watch.

Unchosen trailer

Is there a trailer for Unchosen?

Indeed, Netflix dropped the official trailer at the beginning of April, revealing a forlorn Rosie stepping inside The Fellowship of the Divine’s church.

Adam’s controlling behaviour towards Rosie is laid bare as he cautions her that he “cannot have a wilful wife”.

A man in a suit stands with his hands raised in front of a crowd

Doctor Who icon Christopher Eccleston plays Mr Phillips(Image: NETFLIX)

While Mr Phillips pledges that the cult shields its members from the outside world’s temptations, Rosie gradually discovers where the true threat lies. She is caught between her loyalty to her husband and community, and her desire to shield Sam from harm.

Enthusiastic fans flooded the YouTube comments section, thrilled to see Sex Education star Butterfield take on a darker role, with one remarking: “Oh this looks good, I’m ready.”

Unchosen airs on Netflix on April 21