D.J. Caruso's Mary on Netflix: Bible Inaccuracies, Confusing Messages, and Anthony Hopkins in a Controversial Take on the Mother of Jesus.
D.J. Caruso’s Mary on Netflix attempts to offer a bold new interpretation of the biblical story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, but the final result is a muddled and confusing film that grapples with Bible inaccuracies, jarring genre shifts, and controversial casting choices. With Anthony Hopkins playing the villainous Herod and Noa Cohen in the lead role as Mary, the film struggles to find a clear direction, oscillating between supernatural elements, intense action, and emotional drama.
Netflix's 'Mary (Instagram)
D.J. Caruso’s Mary on Netflix attempts to offer a bold, new interpretation of the biblical story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, but the result is a muddled and confusing film that struggles with Bible inaccuracies, jarring genre shifts, and controversial casting choices. Starring Anthony Hopkins as the villainous Herod and Noa Cohen in the lead role as Mary, the film is caught between supernatural elements, intense action, and emotional drama, leaving viewers uncertain of its true direction. Despite its ambition, Mary falters, offering a disjointed narrative that fails to deliver a meaningful or faithful portrayal of one of Christianity’s most revered figures.
The film, executive produced by megachurch pastor Joel Osteen, presents a reimagined version of Mary—a character who is depicted as both extraordinary and deeply human. Noa Cohen’s portrayal of Mary as a dutiful daughter, homemaker, and highly sought-after woman in Galilee offers a fresh perspective, but her character fluctuates between obedience, rebellion, and resignation. This inconsistency makes it difficult for audiences to connect with her, and the film often feels like a low-budget supernatural thriller set in the ancient world rather than a historical drama.
D.J. Caruso explained Mary's story is "largely unknown beyond a few passages in the Bible," and he wanted to create a movie that presents her "in her most human and relatable form:"
“Mary is the most extraordinary woman ever to walk this earth, yet her story remains largely unknown beyond a few passages in the Bible. I embarked on this journey — to create a film that presents her in her most human and relatable form. When I first read Tim’s script, I knew it could serve as the foundation for my goal: to portray Mary as someone we can all connect with, not just as a saint but as the young woman we all recognize before her sanctification.”
One of the film’s major issues is its genre confusion. The movie struggles to decide whether it’s an action-packed epic, a supernatural tale, or a dramatic exploration of Mary’s life. The inclusion of mystical elements, such as the angel Gabriel and Lucifer, mixed with brutal violence from the Romans and Zealots, creates a disorienting experience for viewers. It is hard to discern whether the story is meant to be a serious biblical drama or a fantastical thriller, and this tonal inconsistency undermines its impact.
Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Herod brings gravitas to the film, but his role, like much of the movie, feels exaggerated. The idea that everyone, including Herod, instantly recognizes Mary as an extraordinary figure stretches the boundaries of believability. This over-the-top characterization, combined with the film’s supernatural atmosphere, detracts from the grounded, human story that the filmmakers seem to want to tell.
The casting of Noa Cohen as Mary has also sparked controversy. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the decision to cast Israeli Jewish actors in roles that represent historical figures with Palestinian roots has caused a stir. Critics argue that this choice, especially in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, adds an extra layer of political tension to the film. The film’s portrayal of Mary as a universally acknowledged "gift from God" also feels too convenient, making the narrative more fantasy than history.
The film’s Bible inaccuracies are another significant point of contention. Many critics, particularly within Catholic communities, have labeled Mary as historically inaccurate and even blasphemous. Some argue that the film takes too many liberties with the Gospel narrative, embellishing key events with non-biblical sources and fictional elements. This divergence from the source material is especially apparent in the portrayal of Mary as a legendary figure who is recognized by all as someone extraordinary—an idea that feels more like the character of Neo in The Matrix than a traditional depiction of the mother of Jesus.
Despite its noble intention to humanize Mary and give her a more central role in the biblical narrative, Mary fails to deliver a coherent and faithful story. The film’s excessive violence, muddled tone, and Bible inaccuracies make it difficult to connect with, especially for viewers seeking a more grounded portrayal of the mother of Jesus. While Anthony Hopkins’ performance as Herod adds some dramatic weight, it isn’t enough to save the film from its many missteps.
In summary, Mary has generated significant controversy on multiple fronts: its casting decisions, particularly the choice of Israeli actors; its biblical inaccuracies and fantastical approach to the story of Mary; and its violence and potentially disrespectful portrayal of a revered figure in Christianity. These controversies have led to widespread discussions in religious and cultural circles, with many critics feeling that the film fails to honor the depth and significance of Mary’s role in the Bible. While some viewers might appreciate the film's modern take on the story, for others, it crosses lines in terms of both historical accuracy and religious respect.
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