Sometimes, you can’t help but wonder why. Why did a film like "Mary" need to be made? Unfortunately, Netflix’s latest release fails to answer that question. Despite its high production values, "Mary" struggles to find its footing, leaving viewers perplexed throughout its runtime.
The story begins with Joachim and Anne, who, after years of praying for a child, are visited by the angel Gabriel. He informs them they will have a daughter but at a cost - they must dedicate her to the service of God. As Mary grows, she is sent to the Temple in Jerusalem to prepare for her sacred purpose. Mary (Noa Cohen) learns that she is destined to bear the son of God, Jesus. However, as news of her miraculous pregnancy spreads, King Herod the Great (Anthony Hopkins) becomes paranoid, fearing a threat to his throne.
While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. Even Anthony Hopkins’ seasoned performance cannot salvage a film that feels unsure of its target audience. As Catholics, we found some of the interpretations jarring, and it’s likely other Christian demographics might feel similarly. The characterizations of Mary, Joseph, and her family lack depth, and the narrative struggles to maintain momentum, resulting in a disjointed and unengaging experience. That said, "Mary" isn’t without its merits. The gritty tone and action sequences bring some unforeseen energy, offering moments of entertainment through their intensity and dare we say, brutality. The portrayals of Gabriel and Lucifer also stand out - both characters are intriguingly unsettling and inject a fresh, if unconventional, interpretation on these figures. However, these highlights are not enough to compensate for a story that fails to connect emotionally or thematically. In the end, while the production values are commendable, and there are glimpses of potential in its darker elements, the film’s overall lack of focus and character depth makes it an easy skip. Even with Anthony Hopkins’ committed performance, this adaptation of a familiar story falls short of its ambitious intentions.
Mary (2024) Movie Review: Dull and Pointless
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