Netflix's new original film based one of Christianity's most important stories premiered just in time for the holiday season, but some Catholics, Christians and historians are concerned about its fictional liberties.
Netflix's "Mary" is a biblical epic that tells the story of the Virgin Mary from her childhood up through the birth of Jesus Christ. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film premiered on Dec. 6 and has a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A Rotten Tomatoes rating less than 60% indicates that the majority of reviews by professional critics are negative.
Joseph Pronechen, staff writer for the National Catholic Register, said in a review that though he wishes there were more films like "Mary," which tell the coming-of-age story, the film "strays far from the real story."
If you're looking to learn more about "Mary," here's what some experts think and how to watch the film.
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"Mary" is available for streaming only on Netflix.
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In his review, Pronechen cites several fictionalizations, including Mary's birth of Jesus. In the film, Mary is shown suffering from intense labor pains, as two midwives assist, but Catholics are taught that Mary was not in pain during childbirth, as she had no original sin.
"...some of the most beautiful scenes and words in the Bible, as written by Luke, are strangely missing," Pronechen added about the film.
Joshua Burks, an associate teacher at the Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies in Lincoln, Nebraska, echoed Pronechen's disappointment for the lack of happy fanfare in "Mary." Specifically, Burks said in his review that the depiction of the archangel Gabriel was lackluster, failing to communicate "the glory or strength of God." Rather than joy and peace, Gabriel's character wears darker colors, his skin is covered in cryptic tattoos and he personifies an eerie presence.
"Every time Gabriel appeared in a scene, which was far more than what should have been, I was left feeling uneasy, as though God was not present, active, and fulfilling his will through his angelic servants," Burks said.
In her critique of "Mary," Meredith Warren, senior lecturer in biblical and religious studies at The University of Sheffield in England, said in addition to "over-the-top" costumes worn by the film's Jewish character, the film "insists on Christian exceptionalism."
"For example, only Mary ... thinks to share the temple's wealth with the poor. And only Joseph ... comes to her defense against those Jewish character who would uphold 'the law,'" Warren said. In one scene, Mary is chased through the streets by a Jewish mob yelling "zonah," or prostitute. Characters note that Mary should be stoned to death for not abiding by "the law."
"This idea of Jewish law as cruel and violent is an age-old stereotype," Warren said.
Across the board, most experts think the casting of "Mary" was spot on.
Pronechen wrote in his review that Anthony Hopkins, who plays King Herod, is "the king of all the actors" who has ever played the character. And Noa Cohen, who plays Mary, is innocent, modest and believable as a young woman who receives the divine message from Saint Gabriel the Archangel, Pronechen added.
In his review, Burks said in addition to Hopkins' performance, the depiction of King Herod to massacre all male infants under the age of two years old was "great" and "heart rending."
"The secular nativity scene often turns a blind eye to this dark chapter of the story," Burks wrote. "I am pleased that the 'Mary' production team decided to keep this scene in the narrative."
Amongst the stars in the new Netflix film are:
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
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