House of David Review: A Goliath of a Show

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Just like historical novels, there exists ‘biblical fiction,’ a term that may seem contradictory to some but is comprehended by those who perceive scriptural events as historical. Essentially, any TV series or movie derived from ancient religious texts falls into this category. The original accounts often lack sufficient details to fill a runtime, so writers and directors create additional narratives between the verses. Keep in mind that if you’re seeking biblical accuracy in the upcoming Prime Video series House of David, based on the Books of Samuel in the Jewish Bible and 1st Samuel in the Christian Bible, it may not fully align with historical accounts.

Ever Wonder About David & Goliath?

The “House of David” is the debut production from The Wonder Project, a studio primarily known for creating faith-based media, with the exception of producing “bread” in a literal sense. The studio is spearheaded by Dallas Jenkins and Jon Erwin, who have been instrumental in the rise of faith-based media in recent times. Other notable studios like Angel Studios have also contributed to this trend with productions such as “Sound of Freedom,” “Cabrini,” and “Sight.” The faith-based films from these studios are not only gaining popularity but also seem to be growing in scale and box office success. Now, they introduce an eight-part series on Amazon Prime Video that spans approximately the second half of 1 Samuel within just eight hours.

Even ardent non-believers are familiar with the tale of David & Goliath. This narrative is often seen as the quintessential underdog story, which is fitting given its roots in some of the earliest writings of the Hebrew Bible. It’s the account of a small, seemingly insignificant boy who rose from obscurity, facing ridicule by the powerful giants of his time until he was given the opportunity to challenge one of them. On the surface, it might seem that a TV series based on such a story would be underwhelming; after all, Goliath was defeated in just a single blow. However, House of David takes this familiar tale and expands upon it, dramatically enhancing the narrative, and yes, providing an anticlimactic ending. Yet, the elements added to the story create an engaging, epic saga that explores themes of power, pride, and politics.

‘House of David’ Has Many Other Tenants

The series “House of David” frequently shifts its settings and lacks consistent direction and editing, making it challenging to differentiate locations and characters. The visuals seem to be predominantly desert landscapes, with most figures wrapped in cloaks and robes. Consequently, viewers might need two or three episodes to become familiar with the characters’ identities and objectives.

In this production, Michael Iskander, the newcomer, truly shines among the cast, not just because of his distinctive features, but also due to the rarity of clean-shaven male characters amidst the bearded majority. Iskander exudes charisma in his role. With his wide-eyed gaze, a head full of curls, and a slender yet noble visage, Iskander is an almost ideal portrayal of David. Despite the show being titled after him, Iskander’s screen time isn’t extensive.

In the captivating tale of “House of David,” there’s such a rich tapestry of characters and interwoven narratives, some even beyond the biblical accounts, that it’s easy to lose track of whose journey we’re following at times. As a devoted reader, I find myself often pausing to remember whose story I’m immersed in amidst this intricate web of lives.

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2025-02-27 17:02