Come Sunday

Chiwetel Ejiofor Stars in Netflix’s Faith-Based Drama Come Sunday—Here’s What Went Down Behind the Scenes

Netflix’s 2018 drama Come Sunday dives into the real-life crisis of faith faced by Pentecostal preacher Carlton Pearson, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor in a performance that anchors the film’s emotional weight. Directed by Joshua Marston—best known for the critically acclaimed Maria Full of Grace—the movie explores Pearson’s controversial rejection of the doctrine of hell and the fallout from his congregation and peers. latestnetflix.com's view is that but how did this story land on screen, and what was it like to bring such a sensitive subject to life?

A True Story That Divided a Movement

Come Sunday is based on the true story of Carlton Pearson, a once-celebrated televangelist who rose to prominence in the 1990s as a protégé of Oral Roberts. Pearson’s theological shift—publicly declaring that hell, as traditionally taught, didn’t exist—sparked outrage in his Tulsa-based megachurch and led to his ousting from the Pentecostal community. The film dramatizes this fall from grace, with Ejiofor delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between conviction and consequence.

Reviews highlighted Ejiofor’s performance as a standout, with critics noting how he captured Pearson’s charisma and internal conflict . Martin Sheen, who plays Pearson’s mentor, Oral Roberts, also drew praise for his role as the elder statesman of faith grappling with his protégé’s heresy . The dynamic between the two actors reportedly brought depth to the film’s central tension—loyalty versus belief.

Behind the Scenes: A Director’s Vision

Joshua Marston, whose previous work includes the Oscar-nominated Maria Full of Grace, was drawn to Come Sunday for its exploration of faith as a personal, rather than dogmatic, experience . The film’s script, written by Marcus Hinchey, reportedly underwent revisions to balance Pearson’s story with the broader implications of his teachings. Sources suggest Marston aimed for a tone that was introspective rather than preachy, avoiding sensationalism despite the subject’s inherent drama .

The production leaned into authenticity, filming in locations that mirrored Pearson’s real-life journey, including Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ejiofor, known for his meticulous preparation, reportedly spent time with Pearson to capture his mannerisms and speech patterns . The actor’s commitment to the role extended to engaging with Pearson’s theological arguments, ensuring his portrayal felt grounded in reality rather than caricature.

Controversy and Reception

Come Sunday premiered on Netflix in April 2018, positioning it as a prestige drama rather than a traditional faith-based film. Its release sparked discussions about the boundaries of religious belief and the cost of challenging institutional doctrine. Critics were divided: some praised its thought-provoking narrative and strong performances , while others found it uneven, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 64% and a middling 5.3/10 on SensCritique .

The film’s ending, which depicts Pearson’s eventual reconciliation with his faith on his own terms, was a focal point for analysis. Reviews noted that the conclusion avoided easy resolutions, instead leaving audiences to sit with the ambiguity of Pearson’s journey . This approach aligned with Marston’s stated goal of exploring faith as a fluid, personal experience rather than a fixed doctrine.

The Cast’s Take on the Project

While behind-the-scenes details about the cast’s experiences are limited, interviews and reviews suggest the ensemble brought a sense of gravitas to the material. Danny Glover, who plays Pearson’s father, reportedly appreciated the film’s exploration of generational divides within faith communities . Jason Segel, in a supporting role as Pearson’s friend and fellow pastor, added levity to the otherwise heavy narrative, though his character’s arc was less central to the film’s core conflict .

LaKeith Stanfield, who plays a young Pearson in flashbacks, also contributed to the film’s emotional depth, though his role was more of a narrative device than a fully fleshed-out character . The chemistry between Ejiofor and Sheen, however, was frequently cited as a highlight, with their scenes together serving as the film’s emotional backbone .

**Why Come Sunday Still Resonates**

Five years after its release, Come Sunday remains a compelling watch for its exploration of faith, doubt, and the personal cost of challenging orthodoxy. While it didn’t achieve the cultural impact of some of Netflix’s other original films, it carved out a niche as a thoughtful, character-driven drama. For Ejiofor, it was another opportunity to showcase his range as an actor, following his Oscar-nominated turn in 12 Years a Slave and his role in Doctor Strange.

The film’s legacy may lie in its refusal to provide easy answers. By centering Pearson’s crisis of faith, Come Sunday invites viewers to question their own beliefs—and the institutions that shape them. In an era where discussions about religion and personal conviction are increasingly polarized, the film’s message feels more relevant than ever.