Catholic Director of Netflix’s ‘Mary’ Expresses Reverence to the Blessed Mother
Netflix’s latest film, “Mary,” has sparked some discussion among viewers, especially within the Catholic community. The director, D.J. Caruso, who is Catholic himself, shared in an interview with CNA that his intention with the film was to approach the subject matter with great reverence and respect for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In the movie, which was released on Netflix on December 6, viewers follow Mary’s journey after the miraculous conception of Jesus, as she and Joseph are on the run from King Herod. Caruso emphasized that staying true to the Scriptures was a key priority in the movie’s creation process. The script underwent numerous revisions, with input from leaders in the Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities to ensure accuracy and sensitivity.
One meaningful exchange Caruso remembered was a conversation with the late Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell of Los Angeles. During this conversation, Bishop O’Connell urged Caruso to give Joseph a voice in the film, emphasizing that Joseph was a hero in the story of Mary’s life, a perspective often overlooked.
While the film has faced some criticisms, particularly regarding its depiction of Mary and her relationship with Joseph, Caruso remains focused on making the best possible movie out of reverence for the sacred figure of the Blessed Mother. Every decision in the film was made with the goal of honoring Mary’s life and legacy.
