Is Netflix’s Mary Film Accurate? Exploring Its Accuracy for Christians
Netflix’s Mary delves into the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, before she became pregnant with the savior. But is this biblical epic worth a watch? According to Giles Gough, it may not be hitting all the right notes.
Historically, we don’t know much about Mary other than a few key details like her name and virginity. This leaves plenty of room for imagination and that’s exactly what screenwriter Timothy Michael Hayes and director DJ Caruso have done. The story kicks off with Mary’s father, Joachim, receiving a divine message that he will have a daughter, setting the stage for Mary’s journey from birth to giving birth to Jesus.
Noa Cohen delivers a sensitive performance as Mary, and her relationship with Joseph, played by Ido Tako, is given the attention it deserves. It’s refreshing to see their bond portrayed as an integral part of the story, emphasizing that they were a team in raising the son of God. Dudley O’Shaughnessy’s portrayal of the archangel Gabriel adds a mystical element to the narrative, and Sir Anthony Hopkins brings a villainous flair to the character of Herod.
Director Caruso draws inspiration from various sources, including the protovangelium of James, and consulted with religious leaders while crafting the screenplay. While the film occasionally dips into Christian fantasy territory, it steers clear of being overly intrusive. The costumes, while at times stylistically bold, manage to maintain a sense of authenticity.
Despite being a well-executed film, Mary struggles to create significant dramatic tension due to the familiarity of the story. However, scenes depicting the massacre of the innocents make a powerful statement on the brutality of targeting innocent civilians, echoing real-world conflicts like those in Gaza. The casting choices, particularly the absence of Middle Eastern actors in prominent roles, raise questions about authenticity and representation.
Overall, Mary offers a fresh perspective on a revered figure in history, but falls short of truly breaking new ground. It’s a solid piece of filmmaking that may not resonate with everyone, but is worth a watch for fans of biblical storytelling. Mary is now available for streaming on Netflix.
