Mary (2024): Netflix Biblical Film, A Review Of Faith & Courage

While Christmas films often focus on romantic comedies and family togetherness, the Netflix biblical film, directed by D.J. Caruso, shifts attention to the very heart of the season.

The story of Jesus Christ’s birth. Mary offers a poignant exploration of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her journey of faith, sacrifice, and courage.

Plot of Mary

The film opens with this powerful line:

“I was chosen to deliver a gift to the world, the greatest gift it has ever known. You may think you know my story—trust me, you don’t.”

We’re introduced to Joachim (Ori Pfeffer) and Anne (Hilla Vidor), Mary’s parents, who have been yearning for a child. In their desperation, Joachim embarks on a fasting journey into the desert to seek God’s face.

It is there that an angel in a blue robe—Angel Gabriel (Dudley O’Shaughnessy)—appears to both Joachim and Anne.

He delivers a divine message: God has heard their cries and will bless them with a daughter unlike any other, a child destined to fulfill prophet Isaiah’s prophecy. However, she must serve the Lord all her life.

This all happens during the reign of King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) in Judea—a tyrant who disrespects the temple and its priests, putting himself above God.

Herod devises a plan to build a new temple in his honour, using the people as cheap labour. His actions spark growing rebellion among the people.

Mary’s Childhood and Calling

Mary (Noa Cohen) grows up to be a beautiful and joyful girl who brings her parents immeasurable happiness after years of sorrow. However, when she comes of age, Angel Gabriel reappears to remind Joachim and Anne of their promise to God.

She is taken to the temple and placed under the care of Prophetess Anna (Susan Brown). Here, we see Mary mature into a young woman who is not only smart but also kind.

Signs of her divine calling start to appear when Lucifer (Eamon Farren) visits her, attempting to trick her into declaring where her allegiance lies—King Herod or God. He accuses her of being a zealot because of her unwavering devotion to the Lord.

A significant moment occurs when King Herod visits the temple. After a confrontation with the priest Bava Ben Buta (Mehmet Kurtuluṣ), who opposes Herod’s installation of an Aquila (a Roman symbol) in the temple, Herod punishes the priest.

Among the crowd witnessing this, Mary locks eyes with Herod, who is then struck with visions of Jesus Christ. Disturbed, Herod’s chief guard begins to pursue Mary, questioning what hold she has over the king.

Joseph and Mary

Joseph, a humble carpenter, enters Mary’s story after Angel Gabriel essentially plays matchmaker, directing Joseph to a stream where he encounters her. Joseph immediately falls in love and seeks Joachim’s blessing to marry Mary, convinced that their union is divinely orchestrated.

Mary, however, becomes overwhelmed by how others seem to dictate her life’s path. She questions why God speaks to everyone else about her destiny but not to her directly.

It is then that Angel Gabriel appears to Mary herself. He reassures her, saying, “Do not be afraid. You have found favour with God. You will conceive a child, and he will reign over the house of David.”

The Birth of Jesus

Mary’s miraculous pregnancy brings turmoil. People in the temple accuse her of compromising her virtue, and she is cast out. Even her parents initially doubt her story until she reveals Gabriel’s message.

Joseph, meanwhile, becomes the subject of ridicule—his bride-to-be is seen as unfaithful. Despite defending and marrying Mary, the people of Judea refuse to accept her, calling for her to be stoned. Ultimately, Joseph and Mary flee to escape the hostility.

The couple arrives in Bethlehem just in time for Jesus’ birth, but the town is overcrowded, and they cannot find a room. When Joseph asks why Bethlehem is so full, he is told that people have travelled far and wide to witness the birth of the Saviour.

King Herod had also heard of the Saviour through three kings who were following a star to pay obeisance to the Saviour. He then instructed them to inform him of the Saviour’s location when they finally arrived.

And then the saviour came and when he was born, the goats stopped bleating and the cattle didn’t graze; according to a shepherd, there had never been such a stillness before. King Herod sent further instructions for every male infant child in Bethlehem to be killed.

Joseph and Mary are informed of the attack and they flee but they don’t get so far as the soldiers catch up with them, a fight ensues between Joseph and the soldiers but they all escape unhurt.

The film closes with Jesus being presented at the temple, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy and marking the beginning of salvation for humankind.

Christian Movie Review: Mary

This movie Mary gives us a profound backstory of the mother of Jesus Christ, a perspective many of us are unfamiliar with.

While some might question the need for this film, especially when the focus tends to centre on Jesus Christ, Mary highlights the trials Mary faced as the vessel chosen to bring salvation to the world. It’s a story worth telling.

Through her, we see uncertainty, fear, and confusion but also unwavering courage and faith. Despite ridicule, threats, and near death, Mary trusted God’s plan even when it made no sense.

The takeaway here is clear: trust God, even when the world doubts you, calls you a liar, or turns against you. If God says He’s in control, trust that He is—and the outcome will be more incredible than you can imagine.

Rating: 8/10

Mary is available for streaming on Netflix