Unchosen true story: Are there really 2,000 cults in the UK?

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Netflix’s new series, Unchosen, opens with the surprising statement that there are more than 2,000 cults operating in the UK.

The number of cults in the country is surprisingly high – reportedly exceeding the number of Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Luckily, most people haven’t had any direct experience with these groups.

This number comes from an investigation by BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 program, which explored concerns about cult activity in the UK and consulted with experts on the topic.

Unchosen tells the story of a secluded, highly religious group with strict Christian beliefs. This community is cut off from most of British society and follows a traditional structure where men hold the power and women are expected to be obedient.

The show draws inspiration from real-life groups suspected of being cults, both in the UK and internationally. The cast and crew used these groups as references while creating the story. Here’s a look at the real-life influences behind Netflix’s Unchosen.

Unchosen true story: Real-life influences on Netflix drama

The Netflix series Unchosen isn’t based on a specific true story, but it was inspired by real instances of suspected cults, including a case that recently made headlines.

Netflix is releasing the film Unchosen very soon after the success of its four-part documentary series, Trust Me: The False Prophet, which has become popular worldwide.

This unsettling show offers a look into the lives of members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a community based on the border between Arizona and Utah in the United States.

Similar to the women in the novel Unchosen, these deeply religious women are submissive to men, including a leader named Samuel Bateman who claims to be a prophet, and they are wary of people outside their group, keeping to themselves most of the time.

Warren Jeffs, the former leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), was convicted of sexually abusing children. However, a recent documentary reveals that some members still believe he is a prophet and continue to follow him as their spiritual leader.

Jeffs is further explored in the Netflix documentary Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey. Its director, Rachel Dretzin, is one of many who consider the FLDS a “cult,” a topic she discussed on the You Can’t Make This Up podcast.

Cults aren’t against the law in the United States, meaning simply identifying characteristics of a cult isn’t enough to shut one down. However, authorities can pursue legal action against members if they commit crimes as part of the group, like what happened with Jeffs.

Asa Butterfield, known for his role in ‘Unchosen,’ told The Times he watched the documentary ‘Keep Sweet’ to help him prepare for playing the character of Adam, a leader within a cult.

In the UK, simply being part of a cult – even leading one – isn’t against the law. However, if members commit crimes like fraud, kidnapping, or harassment as part of the group’s activities, they can be prosecuted.

Activists are now urging lawmakers to broaden the legal definition of coercive control to cover groups resembling cults. Currently, the law only offers protection to people in close, personal relationships like families or couples, according to BBC News.

As a longtime follower of cult recovery stories, I was really struck by what Dr. Alexandra Stein, a former member turned academic, explained on File on 4. She described how cults create this intense “fear and love” mix with their followers, and it’s that combination that makes people so easily controlled and taken advantage of. It’s a really insightful way to look at how these groups operate.

According to Stein, this kind of repeated messaging is like “brainwashing.” It causes cult members to see the outside world as threatening, and this often results in them cutting ties with loved ones.

Stein points out that cults often feature a strong, controlling leader or group, a rigid chain of command, and an unwavering set of beliefs. These are key signs to be aware of.

Netflix’s series, Unchosen, features a cult led by Mr. Phillips (Christopher Eccleston). This group is organized like a strict hierarchy where women are particularly controlled and pressured, and members believe they are special while viewing everyone else as flawed.

Julie Gearey clearly understands and accurately portrays the key characteristics of cult behavior, demonstrating thorough research.

Many groups considered cults don’t immediately seem religious. For example, NXIVM, a well-known case in the US featured in the HBO documentary The Vow, presented itself as a company offering self-improvement and career advancement courses.

Cults might seem unusual or remote, but experts say it’s surprisingly easy to get involved. And, as the numbers show, there are many of these groups around.

In a recent interview for a BBC Radio 4 program called ‘A Very British Cult,’ Stein pointed out that many people assume cults only exist in places like California, with members wearing distinctive clothing. He emphasized that cults can actually be found anywhere, even in your own community.

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Unchosen is available to stream on Netflix.

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Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about television and streaming dramas and comedies for TopMob. Before that, he contributed to Starburst Magazine, hosted the podcast ‘The Winter King’ for ITVX, and earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield.

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2026-04-22 12:40