When Netflix announced Mary, a film about the life of the Virgin Mary, I was intrigued. A fresh take on one of the most revered figures in history? It definitely had potential and was a refreshingly different story. But sometimes, potential isn’t enough.
Visually, the film gets some things right. The cinematography and production design are solid, creating an immersive historical setting. But the storytelling? That’s where it loses me. The pacing feels uneven, jumping from one moment to the next without giving enough depth to Mary’s journey. Instead of feeling connected to her struggles and triumphs, I felt detached, like an outsider looking in.
The film also tries to humanize Mary, which is an interesting approach, but in doing so, it seems to strip away much of the grace and significance that make her story so powerful. Anthony Hopkins as King Herod had potential, but even his performance felt uninspired. The film had all the elements to be deeply moving, yet somehow, it just didn’t land.
I couldn’t finish it not because it was offensive or controversial, but because it felt hollow. A story as rich and layered as Mary’s deserves nuance, depth, and emotional weight, which this film, unfortunately, didn’t deliver. I give it a 5/10 for effort, but it just didn’t resonate the way it should have.
Would I recommend it? If you’re curious, sure. But if you’re looking for something that truly captures the essence of Mary’s journey, this might not be it.
Have you watched Mary? What did you think? Let’s discuss!
