Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mary takes the lead in violent retelling of Jesus' birth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mary
What's the Story?
In MARY, a young girl (Noa Cohen) must leave her family to live a life of servitude at the Temple of Jerusalem, after an agreement with the Archangel Gabriel (Dudley O'Shaughnessy). There she awaits her destiny, which comes in the form of divine intervention that uses her as a vessel for the future savior. Shunned by those around her for carrying what they presume to be an illegitimate child, Mary and her new husband Joseph (Ido Tako) must flee the city and the powers of King Herod (Anthony Hopkins), who wants the child hailed the "King of the Jews" killed at all costs.
Is It Any Good?
Retellings of faith-based stories will never be without some controversy, and this latest action epic from director D.J. Caruso is no different. Mary positions the Biblical figure as a heroic woman, who not only shows strength in her integrity, but can kick out windows and gallop on horseback when needed as well. She's not exactly cast as an action hero, but the story is definitely one of survival in its many forms. In this, Iranian actor Cohen carries the film well, giving a performance that's as impactful in moments of quiet reflection as the death-defying escapes. Tako makes for a likable Joseph, and Hopkins is fittingly loathsome as King Herod, a man who gives little more thought to stabbing his wife at the dinner table as he does casually adjusting his crown. There's turmoil all round, but the film concentrates much more on the human story than the civil and political unrest. At its core it's about a woman carrying what's believed to be an illegitimate child, clouded in shame and hatred, until word spreads that he will be the prophesied savior.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about portraying the birth of Jesus from the point of view of his mother in Mary. Did that affect how you experienced the film? Can you think of any other Bible stories that have been portrayed on-screen from a slightly different perspective? How do they compare?
The movie tells the story of the birth of Christ. Would you consider it a Christmas film? Why, or why not?
Mary showed courage, perseverance, and integrity during the movie. How did these help her overcome various challenges? Why are they important character strengths to have?
Discuss the film's violence. Did you find any scenes too intense? Were you surprised by the amount of violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 6, 2024
- Cast : Anthony Hopkins , Noa Cohen , Ido Tako
- Director : D.J. Caruso
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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