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'Riveting' Netflix thriller draws in 10 million viewers after one week
Reach Daily Express | May 5, 2026 8:40 PM CST

A "riveting" Netflix thriller has attracted over 10 million viewers in just one week. Julie Gearey's new psychological thriller, Unchosen, is proving a hit with viewers.

The six-part series stars Molly Windsor as Rosie, a woman living in a strict, isolated religious sect whose life is disrupted by a chance encounter with an escaped convict, Sam, played by Fra Fee.

"As Rosie navigates a painful relationship with her husband, Adam (Asa Butterfield), her world is turned upside down by an intriguing stranger named Sam. At first, Sam seems like the perfect escape from Rosie's dark world. But, as time goes on, she realises something sinister lurks beneath the surface. Everyone, it seems, has secrets they're hiding, and those truths unravel over the course of six episodes," the official synopsis teases.

The drama draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of former cult members, with the writer reaching out to people who were forced to escape those communities.

The cast also includes Downton Abbey and Happy Valley star Siobhan Finneran, along with Aston McAuley, Alexa Davies, Lucy Black, Olivia Pickering, and Doctor Who's Christopher Eccleston.

Unchosen was released on Netflix on April 21. It has since become a global success in terms of viewership, topping the charts in 69 countries. The unsettling series then became the most-watched show on Netflix UK with 10.4 million views in just one week. Critics have also been impressed, with Unchosen currently boasting a 73% rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.

Metro wrote: "Your next must-watch series has arrived - and you're going to struggle not to binge it in one go," with The Times UK adding: "Each of the key characters are given some depth by the writer Julie Gearey."

Meanwhile, one fan wrote on IMDb: "Sublime acting. The lead actors were exceptional. What a treat! Thank YOU, Molly Windsor, Fra Fee, Asa Butterfield, Siobhan Finneran, and Christopher Eccleston... My stomach twisted and turned. Brilliant storyline."

Another added: "A compelling story with an excellent cast. Each character has a unique story to tell about who they really are. Asa Butterfield fantastic in a dramatic lead! Hope to see him in more dramatic roles going forward."

A third said: "Thrilling, riveting and touching," with another viewer similarly sharing: "Secrets and lies emerge in the first episode and keep you gripped throughout this limited series. Asa Butterfield plays the sinister role [of] Adam who eerily puts the viewer on edge. Everyone has a secret and are not what they seem. No spoilers here, have a watch - you won't be disappointed."

A fifth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "Not a crime drama or the usual detective series. This made it a refreshing drama to watch. Excellent performances throughout. Apparently there are many religious cults hidden away in Great Britain, which I was unaware of until watching this series. Not got to the end of it yet but definitely enjoying switching on for the next episode."

Unchosen is available to stream on Netflix


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