Messiah ( Netflix / Thriller Series/ 2020)
A mystique so mesmerising that he enchants people like a pied piper.
A mystery so deep that it sends the governments in a tizzy .
A disruption that takes the world by a storm.
Does this flutter mark the time for a change ?
A conspiracy encashing on blind faith Or a chance to believe and hope ?
The story opens in a strife ridden Syria where a charismatic young man appears and claims to be a messenger of God .
It takes us to Israel ,Jordan ,Texas and then Washington DC. Wherever he goes, he revs up a charm as well as a storm.
His words are few but bewitching. His presence instils miracles.His aura has a conviction and calm about him.
There are people who are enchanted. There are people who have doubts and theories. The agencies and governments smell a conspiracy. What does he want ? Everyone is baffled. Everyone has different line of thought about him.
So would you . When he speaks, you find him captivating. When the agents punch holes in his background, you would had doubts too. You may not believe him, but would want to. You may not agree with all his ideas but they are thought provoking , especially as regards the idea of God and his role. At times , you might wonder where is it all headed. Hang on to his words, where all the explanations lie.
He prophesies a change round the corner after a phase of confusion and disruption. It reminds you of the theories in Hinduism about Kalki , akin to the second coming of Christ. He wants a different world order. And those theories may be debatable but they do raise questions.
The series has a geo political setting that remains relevant even four years down the line, perhaps more so, considering the rising political tensions the world over. The story is thrilling and intriguing even though slow paced.
The pivotal performance by Mehdi Dehbi, a Belgian actor, is top notch .With little to say and so less to emote , it’s a tight rope walk that he does with elan.The aura that he is able to create is so real that you actually find him credible and convincing.
Michelle Monaghan and Tommer Sisley play the pragmatic agents with a heavy messed up past . As non believers, with their own set of nuances to their characters, they deliver good performances.
I loved the actors who played Jibril , Samer and Rebecca.
This terrific story weaves in geo politics , religion & spirituality into a seamless slow burn thriller ,debates about the power balance of the world and the theories doing rounds even currently, nudges you to ponder about your own belief system , shows an interesting angle to the relation between God and man.
For those who find all these domains interesting must not miss this one. I loved it.