Netflix’s ‘Messiah’ is a controversial yet genius series

Streaming giant Netflix’s much-talked about new original series Messiah – on the eschatological return of Jesus Christ – put audiences on both sides of the fence. And rightfully so.

Boasting the super-talented producer duo of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (known for their collaboration on AD: The Bible Continues and Son of God), as well as an extensive cast of new but notable, as well as seasoned, Hollywood actors, the series leaves viewers guessing throughout.

Although it uses many of the biblical references about Jesus, this show smartly questions how secular society would react if a man had appeared last year claiming to be a prophet of God, and then amassed a sizable following through media coverage and social media posts.

Would he be embraced as the Messiah, or treated like a conman with a talent for geopolitical manipulation?

Mehdi Dehbi and Michelle Monaghan in ‘Messiah’. Picture: Netflix

As the ever-suspicious and moderately Jewish CIA operative Eva Geller (played by Michelle Monaghan of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Gone Baby Gone fame) asks in one scene: “What was Jesus, after all? Just a populist politician with an axe to grind against the Roman Empire.”

And therein lies the succulent marrow at the centre of the Messiah series that will keep you digging for clarity as you question whether the central character actually performed a miracle, or used modern technology to convert or con his public.

Messiah has not received great critic ratings or feedback but, once again, you’d be remiss not to question the validity or sincerity of critics, given the content of the series.

I am an atheist and, so, stand to gain nothing by urging you to watch this series, except to prove to yourself just how cleverly written, directed and acted this show is.

Mehdi Dehbi in ‘Messiah’. Picture: Netflix

Whether or not – and it really is that hard to decide – he actually is more than a conman, or the second coming of Christ, is besides the point. This show is masterfully shot and the locations, action sequences and computer-generated imagery are tops.

Although Belgian actor and theatre director Mehdi Dehbi (of He’s My Girl, Mary Queen of Scots and A Most Wanted Man fame) truly shines in the lead role, the standout performance definitely comes from newbie Sayyid El Alami for his role as Jibril Medina, a young Syrian orphan and avid supporter of the messiah.

Messiah is currently streaming and is well worth your time.

Will you feel conned or come away converted? Tune in to Netflix and decide for yourself. I give this one four out of five for sheer genius and audacity

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