Faith, Fury, and the Unexpected: Mary’s Journey Like Never Before
If you’ve seen the story a thousand times, Mary on Netflix is here to shake things up. This bold movie doesn’t just retell an old story, it reimagines it. Directed by D.J. Caruso, Mary dives into the life of the Virgin Mother like you’ve never seen before. With a stunning cast including Anthony Hopkins as the ruthless King Herod and Noa Cohen in a career-making role as Mary, this biblical epic is packed with action, emotion, and a few surprises along the way.
A Fresh Perspective
Let’s face it: biblical stories can sometimes feel… predictable. But Mary makes you see things from a whole new angle. The film doesn’t just present Mary as a saint; it shows her as a young woman, full of doubt, fear, and incredible strength. Through Mary’s eyes, we witness her transformation from an ordinary girl to the mother of Jesus. This isn’t your typical “angel tells Mary she’s pregnant” setup. Instead, we see Mary dealing with real-world issues—her parents, her community’s judgment, and the incredible weight of her destiny.
Hopkins Steals the Show
Then there’s Anthony Hopkins, who brings the manic, power-hungry King Herod to life with all the fury of a Shakespearean villain. Hopkins’ Herod isn’t just sitting on his throne twirling his mustache, he’s actively hunting down baby Jesus with an obsessive madness that keeps you on edge. Herod is a character you’ll love to hate, and Hopkins clearly relishes every moment of his wild performance.
Action-Packed & Intense
Mary isn’t just a talk-fest; it’s filled with action and tension. From narrow escapes to tense moments with Herod’s soldiers, this film is full of surprises. Mary and Joseph are constantly on the run, forced to outsmart Herod’s forces while protecting their newborn son. There’s a thrilling chase as they flee to Egypt and a particularly heart-pounding sequence where they hide in the desert to escape the slaughter of innocents. Even though you know how the story ends, the film keeps you hooked with its relentless pace.
A Humanized Mary
One of the most compelling aspects of Mary is how it humanizes the Virgin Mother. Rather than presenting her as a flawless saint, the film shows her as a young woman facing impossible odds. Her doubts, fears, and ultimately her courage in accepting her destiny are what make her story so relatable. Noa Cohen’s performance shines, capturing the innocence, strength, and vulnerability of Mary in a way that feels real.
A Few Misses
That being said, the film does stumble a bit in some areas. There are moments when the writing feels a little too modern, especially with lines like “You may think you know my story, but trust me, you don’t.” While this gives Mary a modern, superhero-like vibe, it feels a bit out of place in a biblical epic. Additionally, some may find the liberties taken with the story (like using horses instead of donkeys) a bit jarring, even if it does add an exciting action element.
Beautiful Visuals & Cinematography
The film’s setting and cinematography are one of its strongest points. Filmed in Morocco, Mary paints a stunning picture of the ancient world, with vibrant colors and beautiful landscapes that immerse you in Mary’s journey. The production design is rich and detailed, capturing the spirit of the time while making it feel fresh and cinematic.
The Takeaway
In the end, Mary isn’t just about the birth of Jesus! it’s about the journey of a young woman who becomes one of the most important figures in history. Her love, her courage, and her acceptance of a destiny far beyond what she could have imagined are what carry the film. The closing lines, “Love will cost you dearly; it will pierce your heart, but in the end, love will save the world,” remind us why Mary’s story still resonates today.
If you’re looking for a different kind of biblical epic—one that mixes action, drama, and heartfelt moments with a powerful performance by Anthony Hopkins—then Mary is definitely worth your time. It’s an adventure you won’t forget.