Hulu’s latest foray into original programming, “The Path” stars Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad”) as Eddie, a member of the Meyerist Movement (a cult that seems to be an interesting mix of Christianity, Scientology and drug-fueled counterculture) at odds with his faith, an inner struggle that causes tension with his devout wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan, “True Detective”) and the cult’s temporary but ambitious leader Cal (Hugh Dancy, “Hannibal”). As Eddie struggles to hide his growing doubt in the movement’s practices and Cal seeks to spread its message across the globe, the idyllic world around them begins to crack under the pressure.

An intelligent character-driven drama, “The Path” is anchored on the weight of its actors’ abilities to tackle the complex writing behind it, a test that the show’s stars tackle with everything they’ve got. What’s important to note about the show’s casting is its ability to find actors who have previous experience in similar roles, and then challenge them to take their skills to the next level.

The story has found a near perfect protagonist in Paul, who takes the every-man pain he so deftly utilized in “Breaking Bad” to ferocious new heights. Nothing quite grips the soul like Paul when his characters are at emotional lows, from agonized sorrow to passionate confrontation. Dancy takes with him the excellent bite and intensity he brought to “Hannibal,” but ditches most of the empathy, creating a morally complicated showman who creates unease every time he is on screen. Monaghan is similarly superb, but is unfortunately given another thankless role as a tortured wife, similar to the one she played on “True Detective”. However, she shines with what’s she given; her devotion to the role especially showing through in scenes depicting her character’s dedication to cause. She is the show’s perfect way of showing how utterly loyal the cult’s most powerful members can become, convincing the audience with every faith-based line that she is a true believer. One can only hope more of the show’s female roles will become as strong as Monaghan’s, though her character is in need of more inspired writing as well.

The show’s dedication to style is another plus, adding another online original series to high order of gorgeous television. The pilot is, in particular, an innovative example of storytelling, interconnecting stories in a stylish way that makes moments even more shocking and powerful. Furthering the anxiety is a dark unease that glooms over every scene, making even the brightest of events seem alien. While the show is certainly a slow burn, it is patient, waiting to show its best cards until the most appropriate moment.

While the core of the drama is strong, its supporting trimmings are certainly not as effective. The show is at its best when it is a dark story centered on family and faith, but subplots involving tropes such as high school drama and an FBI investigation threaten to prevent the show from embracing its originality and wander into more traditional territory.

However, “The Path” is only in its infant stages, with Hulu opting to release its episodes on a conventional weekly schedule, and it still has the potential to grow into something transcendent, both in this season and beyond. The only mystery more intriguing than the shadows behind the Meyerist Movement is where the show can go from here.

“The Path” is now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes uploaded every Wednesday.