Fra Fee, the actor behind the enigmatic Sam in the new Netflix thrillerUnchosen, immersed himself in the darkest corners of the human psyche to understand a character forged by trauma. His preparation wasn’t about learning lines; it was about excavating the roots of a deeply damaged soul, exploring the lasting impact of childhood abandonment and abuse.
Sam arrives as a disruptive force, a man marked by a life lived on the fringes. Recently escaped from prison, covered in tattoos, he’s a jarring contrast to the pristine order of the ‘Fellowship of the Divine’ – a cult where everything has its place, and everyone adheres to strict rules. It’s within this controlled environment that an unexpected connection sparks with Rosie, a wife bound by duty and devotion, played by Molly Windsor.
Fee describes Sam as “brilliantly conceived,” a character of captivating complexity. He embraced the challenge of understanding a man capable of “seriously dubious stuff,” finding a strange affection for a survivor who expertly manipulates those around him. “I had to love him, even though his actions are deplorable,” Fee admits, revealing the depth of his commitment to the role.
The allure of the Fellowship, for someone like Sam, isn’t a mystery. Having spent sixteen years incarcerated, he craves the serenity and structure the cult offers. A world where everyone belongs, where a sense of community prevails – it’s a powerful draw for a man who has known only chaos. This isn’t a far-fetched scenario, but a deeply human response to profound instability.
Rosie’s world is one of quiet obedience, governed by her husband Adam and the charismatic, yet controlling, Mr. Phillips, portrayed by Christopher Eccleston. Sam’s arrival is initially a rescue – he saves her daughter from a lake – but quickly evolves into something far more dangerous, a forbidden connection that threatens to unravel everything she knows. She offers him shelter, unknowingly inviting a storm into her carefully constructed life.
The actor benefited from a richly detailed backstory crafted by the series’ writer, Julie Rutter. This backstory revealed a childhood marked by a loving, but ultimately abandoning, mother and an abusive father. This history fueled Sam’s emotional dysregulation and capacity for dissociation, providing Fee with a crucial understanding of his character’s motivations. His research focused intently on the psychological effects of trauma on children, providing a foundation for his performance.
Beyond Sam, the series boasts compelling performances across the board. Fee praises Asa Butterfield, known for his role inSex Education, for delivering a “fantastic, dramatic performance” that will surprise audiences. He also highlights Molly Windsor’s ability to convey immense emotion with remarkable subtlety and grace.
Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal of Mr. Phillips is described as chillingly effective. Fee notes the actor’s inherent warmth, juxtaposed with the disturbing darkness that emerges, particularly when influenced by alcohol. “It’s just a fantastic performance that I suspect he was able to draw on a lot of inspiration in the real world for,” Fee observes.
Siobhan Finneran, as Mrs. Phillips, adds another layer of complexity. She embodies both unwavering loyalty to the cult and a profound, hidden sadness. Her character’s internal conflict, and the dualities displayed by both leads, create a captivating emotional landscape within the series.
Comparisons to unsettling dramas likeThe Handmaid’s TaleandMidsommarhint at the unsettling atmosphere ofUnchosen. But Fee promises a satisfying conclusion, a story that feels complete while leaving room for the imagination. “Everyone’s got their own journey and their own demons to deal with,” he concludes, leaving viewers to contemplate the lasting impact of the choices made within the Fellowship.
