Testify (TV series)
| Testify | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama |
| Written by |
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| Directed by |
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| Starring |
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| Composer | Karl Sölve Steven |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Philippa Rennie |
| Producers |
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| Cinematography | Simon Tutty |
| Running time | 43 mins |
| Production company | Warner Bros. International Television Production |
| Original release | |
| Network | TVNZ 2 (2024–present) |
| Release | 8 April 2024 – present |
Testify is a 2024 New Zealand drama series broadcast on TVNZ 2. It centres on a wealthy and influential family at the helm of an evangelical megachurch in Auckland.
Plot summary
A youth pastor, David (Bennett) challenges his father, Scott (Hall) to make their evangelical megachurch more socially inclusive. David forms an unlikely bond with podcaster, Dana, a transgender activist and with his brother, Paul, the prodigal son that returns after fifteen years without contact. As they work together they uncover historic abuse in the church.[1]
Cast
- Vinnie Bennett as David Jacobson
- Ari Boyland as Paul Jacobson
- Paipera Hayes as Dana
- Craig Hall as Scott Jacobson
- Jessica Grace Smith as Emmaline Jacobson
Reception
Tara Ward of The Spinoff concluded: "performances are solid, with Bennett, Hall and Boyland particularly strong, and the series raises timely questions about the role of organised religion in our society (when did worship become entertainment, podcasters Eden and Dana wonder, and is being a queer Christian an oxymoron?). Testify is a dark, brooding big-budget series with plenty of promise, but it’s strongest when it delves into the more sinister, secretive side of organised religion."[2]
References
- ^ Testify: The megachurch (and mega drama) behind TVNZ’s new show — Spy The New Zealand Herald. 24 March 2024
- ^ Can we keep the faith with TVNZ’s new local drama Testify? The Spinoff. 7 April 2024
