“Mary” on Netflix: Beautiful, But Far From Biblical

In a cinematic landscape saturated with reimaginings of biblical stories, Mary—the latest offering from Netflix—arrives with grandeur and artistic flair. Directed by D.J. Caruso, this film centers on Mary of Nazareth, a figure revered across Christian traditions for her faith, humility, and pivotal role in the birth of Jesus Christ. While the production boasts stunning visuals and compelling performances, particularly Noa Cohen’s nuanced portrayal of Mary, the film leaves viewers grappling with an uneasy tension: its divergence from biblical truth.

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All photos featured in this article are sourced directly from the movie Mary on Netflix.

The Merits: A Cinematic Feast

Visually, Mary is breathtaking. The sets evoke the dusty landscapes of ancient Judea, and the costumes immerse us in a time long past. The actors, particularly Cohen and Ido Tako as Joseph, deliver heartfelt performances that resonate with raw emotion. There’s a palpable sincerity in their portrayals, and Caruso’s direction captures the human vulnerability of Mary’s journey.

These artistic merits make Mary a visually captivating experience, drawing the audience into the historical context with a richness rarely seen in biblical cinema. Yet, even these strengths cannot compensate for its deeper shortcomings.

Where It Falls Short: Truth Over Drama

For those familiar with Scripture, the film’s embellishments are hard to overlook. Moments of heightened drama—though captivating for the screen—veer away from the simplicity and profound faithfulness that Scripture conveys. The Bible’s timeless truths resonate without the need for added dramatization.

For instance, certain scenes portray Mary and Joseph in ways that prioritize dramatic tension over their biblically rooted characteristics of trust and obedience. Herod’s pursuit of the holy family is exaggerated to the point of overshadowing the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ birth. While such choices might make for engaging storytelling, they stray from the text that millions hold as sacred.

The Glaring Absence of Scripture

Perhaps the film’s most jarring flaw is its complete omission of Scripture. Not a single verse or direct reference to the Word of God graces the narrative. This absence is both absurd and unacceptable, especially for a film centered on one of Christianity’s most pivotal figures. For audiences seeking an enriching spiritual experience, this omission leaves the film hollow, devoid of the divine depth that only Scripture can provide.

The Bible itself is filled with narratives so moving and profound that no additional embellishment is needed. Its truths are more dramatic and captivating than anything Hollywood could conjure, making the lack of scriptural grounding in Mary a significant missed opportunity.

A Missed Opportunity

It’s not uncommon for filmmakers to take creative liberties with biblical stories, but in this case, Mary leans too heavily on fictionalized elements. The story of Jesus’ nativity, as told in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John, is already rich in emotion, divine intervention, and human courage. Adding layers of unnecessary conflict feels like a disservice, not just to the biblical account but to audiences seeking an authentic connection to Mary’s story.

More importantly, the movie’s focus on Mary—while she is indeed one of the most significant figures in the Bible—seems to diminish the central event of her role: bringing Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, into the world. While Mary’s journey is a story of faith and strength, her biblical purpose was to deliver the Savior. Yet in the film, the birth of our Lord feels sidelined, as if it doesn’t truly matter. This portrayal undermines the significance of the nativity, where heaven and earth met in the arrival of the Messiah.

Final Thoughts: Worth Watching, But…

Mary is worth watching for its artistry and the conversations it sparks. It reminds us of the enduring impact of Mary’s story, even in a modern context. However, as a Christian viewer, it’s essential to approach it with discernment. While it may inspire curiosity about Mary’s life, the film ultimately highlights the importance of returning to the Bible itself for a truthful, unembellished account of her remarkable journey.

In the end, Mary is a poignant reminder that no cinematic adaptation, no matter how visually stunning, can replace the power and truth of God’s Word.

This film ultimately serves as a reminder to seek the Bible itself for the full, unembellished truth of Mary’s role and the miraculous birth of Christ.

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