Mary (2024) Movie Review – A Missed Opportunity to Illuminate Mary’s Perspective
The Netflix Original Mary (2024) takes a bold leap into uncharted territory by presenting the Nativity story through the eyes of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Directed by D.J. Caruso and penned by Timothy Michael Hayes, the film aims to offer a fresh perspective on one of Christianity’s most iconic figures. However, while the intention to humanize Mary and craft a coming-of-age narrative is commendable, the execution falters in creating a compelling and cohesive cinematic experience.
Plot Overview
Mary reimagines the story of Mary of Nazareth (played by Noa Cohen), starting from her childhood to her miraculous conception and the trials leading up to the birth of Jesus. The narrative begins with Mary’s father, Joachim (Ori Pfeffer), praying for a child in the desert. His prayers are answered by the angel Gabriel (Dudley O’Shaughnessy), who requests Mary be dedicated to the temple.
Mary’s journey intertwines with Joseph (Ido Tako), a carpenter captivated by her during a chance meeting. Soon after their engagement, Gabriel delivers the divine message of Mary’s role as the mother of the promised king. What follows is a series of struggles, including societal rejection, a tyrannical King Herod (Anthony Hopkins), and Mary’s internal conflict as she navigates her destiny.
What Works: Visuals and Anthony Hopkins
One of the film’s strengths lies in its visual presentation. The sets and costumes immerse viewers in the biblical era, capturing the austere beauty of the time. Scenes like Mary and Joseph’s escape from Bethlehem’s flames, though fleeting, are thrilling and impactful.
Anthony Hopkins, as King Herod, steals every scene he’s in. His portrayal of the paranoid ruler obsessed with finding the prophesied child is menacing and magnetic. Unfortunately, his screen time is limited, leaving viewers craving more of his commanding presence.
What Falls Short: A Lack of Depth and Cohesion
Despite being billed as a coming-of-age tale, Mary struggles to delve deeply into its protagonist’s growth or internal conflict. The film often tells rather than shows, leaving viewers detached from Mary’s emotional journey. Moments that should provide insight into her struggles, such as her ostracism or her acceptance of her divine role, are glossed over.
Moreover, the script introduces elements like Lucifer’s (Eamon Farren) temptations and excessive appearances by Gabriel, which feel more like filler than meaningful contributions to the story. These additions dilute the narrative, making it feel disjointed.
Missed Opportunities
The central promise of Mary—to give a nuanced portrayal of its titular character—feels unfulfilled. While the film attempts to humanize Mary, it often reverts to shallow dramatizations of biblical events. Even moments that could resonate, such as Mary’s relationship with Joseph or her care for the poor, are underdeveloped.
The thriller aspect surrounding Herod’s pursuit of Jesus is equally underwhelming. Instead of fully exploring the fear and tension of his tyrannical reign, these moments are treated as secondary to the main plot, leaving the film tonally uneven.
Where to Watch Mary (2024)
Mary is available exclusively on Netflix as part of the platform’s original content lineup. It can be streamed with a subscription in the United States and other regions where Netflix operates. Unfortunately, the film is not currently available for rental or purchase on other platforms.
Final Verdict
While Mary (2024) set out to offer a unique perspective on one of Christianity’s most revered figures, the execution falls short of its ambitious premise. The film is visually striking and features a standout performance by Anthony Hopkins, but its lack of depth and uneven storytelling make it a missed opportunity.
If you’re intrigued by biblical adaptations, you might still find Mary worth a one-time watch. However, for those seeking a meaningful exploration of Mary’s journey or a gripping retelling of the Nativity, there are better options available.
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