Mary Movie Review
- Critic’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Filmyhigh Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Netflix’s Mary, directed by D.J. Caruso, is an arresting retelling of the Virgin Mary’s life. It presents an epic journey of the saint in her early years long before being called to become the mother of Jesus Christ. Stitching a tale of faith, sacrifice, and survival against the tumultuous backdrop of King Herod’s tyranny, Mary is most probably a play into Anthony Hopkins’s chilling performance as King Herod, who has an insatiable thirst for power and whose actions incited an epic need for miracles in the life of Mary.
With the role of Mary played by Israeli actress Noa Cohen, the film thus descends into the emotional trials and fortitude of the character, definitely more than just a woman being a saintly figure-Mary is portrayed as a woman trying to make her way through an extraordinary destiny.
Direction and Perfromances:
D.J. Caruso balances between an historical portrayal and a more of modernizing the film, making a film that can be touched for its both nostalgia reverence as well as modern relevance in it. Probably for this very reason, it isn’t surprise that Noa Cohen takes the heart as Mary, a performance imbued with innocence and a lucid strength. Together with the vulnerability in her eyes, there is later visible a transfiguration into a sort of resolved acceptance of her God-given charge.
Invoke Anthony Hopkins and his performance with the pompousness of a king without leaving aside the ‘shining’ wickedness that resonates throughout every fiber of his character: King Herod, power hungry. His corporeal presence has all the heavy layers in every sequence to reinforce the pressure underneath, making the audience feel how much Mary had to go through.
I liked him – Ido Tako’s Joseph, just that their character has got one-dimensionality, which is pretty disappointing because it could have been much more fleshed out for a character that happens to play a major part in the story. From that point onward, the whole plot seems to get lost in even richer, thicker storytelling.
The visuals and the Music:
The production design is simply breathtaking. Costumes and sets fill the spaces of ancient Judea, while great attention to detail evokes the grandeur of religious art. Several scenes appear inspired by cathedral frescoes and would therefore place the audience in the milieu of spirituality and history.
The music, while rather unimposing, serves its purpose well in visual harmony. However, it comes possible of failing on the cultography front, in that it does not quite become the signature theme which could afford the whole tale further emotional depth.
Strengths:
- Authentic Casting: Despite controversies, the decision to cast an Israeli actress lends authenticity to the film’s setting.
- Anthony Hopkins: His portrayal of King Herod adds gravitas, heightening the stakes for Mary’s journey.
- Visual Splendor: Each frame is a masterpiece, blending historical detail with artistic beauty.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: At 102 minutes, the film struggles to maintain momentum, with certain key moments lacking the dramatic heft they deserve.
- One-Dimensional Supporting Characters: While Mary’s character is explored in depth, others, like Joseph, feel underutilized.
- Controversial Interpretations: The film’s modern take on sacred themes, including the portrayal of the Archangel Gabriel in contemporary attire, may alienate traditional audiences.
Social And Cultural Fallout:
The selection of Noa Cohen for Mary provoked a huge uproar. It was regarded as an alignment of Mary with modern-day Israeli identity by Palestinian supporters, completely ignoring the multi-layered history of the region. And, once again, it found itself among the voices of discontent-Conservative Christians-on deviation from the norm of biblical portrayals.
This, however, the filmmakers justified by arguing that the target of the film was just to vend the universality of Mary’s story without political or religious intentions.
Final Verdict:
Mary is an excellently made, visually and emotionally stimulating film that pulls up the courage to reimagine one of the greatest saints in history. While it trips in pacing and some of the crucial narrative choices, the heart lies in the earnest portrayal of humanity by Mary.
This is really a treat for those wanting a soul-stirring blend of faith, history, and contemporary film-making. It has flaws, but it’s this ambition and artistry that really sets it apart from other biblical dramas.
Why Watch It on Netflix?
Whether you’re into historical epics or just curious about new takes on old favorites, Mary has a unique offering. It is one of the magnificent Amazonian spectacles and a heartfelt performance added to Netflix’s line-up.