Film

It all started with Bartholomew.

You’ll never find him in Matthew 25. But without him, there would be no story.

Bartholomew, played by David Houston (UK), is one of the King’s faithful servants. His assignment seems simple: find Eliza (Mahlia Chellembrom, UK) and ask her to gather ten virgins in preparation for the Bridegroom’s return.

Haman accuses Eliza of being a spy for the King.

Simple—until Haman enters the picture.

Haman (Navid Negahban, USA), is a steward of the King. Fearing he will lose his power when the Bridegroom returns, he sees Bartholomew and Eliza as threats to be removed.

There’s just one complication.

Haman is Eliza’s uncle.

Her family depends on him for their livelihood. Torn between the welfare of her family and a divine calling she feels unqualified to fulfill, Eliza must choose whom she will follow.

Eliza (Mahlia Chellembrom, UK) stumbles in the marketplace, losing her apples.

The scene begins in the marketplace. Eliza stumbles, spilling her basket of apples. As she gathers them and continues on her way, a stranger calls her name. Here’s a glimpse of the script:

BARTHOLOMEW

Excuse me, Almah.

She stops and turns.

ALIZA

Yes.

BARTHOLOMEW

Would you come a little closer?

She hesitates, and looks around.

BARTHOLOMEW

Please?

She comes closer.

BARTHOLOMEW

I’m very hungry.

She sits by him on the edge of the well and opens her basket.

ALIZA

I…

She rummages inside the basket and pulls out a bruised apple.

ALIZA

…had a bit of a tumble.

She offers him the apple. He takes it and takes a bite.

ALIZA

I’m sorry it is bruised.

BARTHOLOMEW

Is that not the way with all of us?

She smiles.

BARTHOLOMEW

Would you also be so kind as to draw some water for me?

ALIZA

Of course.

Aliza lowers a clay vessel tied to a rope and draws water. Bartholomew ladles a drink and then looks at Aliza but doesn’t say anything. The moment is uncomfortable, and Aliza starts to get up, but Bartholomew puts his hand up to stop her.

BARTHOLOMEW

I am one of the King’s servants.

Surprised, she sits back down.

BARTHOLOMEW

The King’s Son is returning.

ALIZA

Why are you telling me this?

Bartholomew then invites Eliza to call the bridesmaids to light the way for the Bridegroom.

Why does our film create such an elaborate backstory from a parable of only 11 verses? Why invent obstacles, conflicts, and intrigue? Why make it so difficult for these young women to do what is right?

Because that’s the way life is.

Haman (Navid Negahban, USA), sees Eliza talking with Bartholmew.

Life is rarely simple. It is filled with competing loyalties, difficult choices, unexpected trials, and consequences that ripple far beyond ourselves. We want you to see a little of your own story in theirs—to recognize the same fears, doubts, and decisions that confront each of us.

Who is the Bartholomew in your life? Who has invited you to become something more than you believed possible? Will you accept your calling, despite the sacrifice it may require? Will you choose what is right when what is easy stands close at hand?

Ultimately, The Ten Virgins is not just about ten young women waiting for the Bridegroom.

It is about all of us.

Because sooner or later, every one of us must decide whether we will merely hear the call—or answer it.