Is Mary on Netflix biblically accurate? Fact-checking all important details of the movie

Netflix's Mary, directed by D.J. Caruso, debuted on December 6, 2024. It tells the story of the Virgin Mary's early life and the birth of Jesus. The film mixes drama with respect, focusing on themes like faith, virtue, and divine purpose. With Noa Cohen as Mary and Sir Anthony Hopkins as Herod, it aims to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and visual storytelling.

The plot begins with the heartfelt prayers of Anne and Joachim, leading to Mary’s miraculous birth and her life in the Temple. From Mary’s acts of charity to her divine encounter with the Archangel Gabriel, the story unfolds with a mix of familiar biblical moments and dramatic additions. Although the film aims to honor its subject, it sometimes doesn't exactly follow historical and religious facts.

According to the National Catholic Register, the script underwent extensive rewrites with input from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders, but it also took creative liberties. Important scenes, conversations, and even religious ideas were modified, including Joseph's character, Jesus's birth, and Mary's life, resulting in a story that differs from the actual biblical version.

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Netflix's Mary: Truth vs fiction

A mix of faithful representation and fictionalized narratives

Netflix's Mary starts with the story of Anne and Joachim praying for a child, then moves to Mary’s early life and her time at the Temple. This setup follows some non-biblical traditions but then introduces fictional events, like Mary’s encounters with beggars and her spiritual struggles with Lucifer. These dramatic elements, while interesting, don’t match traditional biblical or Church teachings.

One of the movie’s biggest changes is how it shows the Annunciation. Instead of Gabriel being a bright, angelic figure, he’s shown as a shadowy character, which is different from usual pictures. Important Bible parts, like Gabriel telling Mary that Jesus will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:32-35), are either left out or altered, reducing the theological depth of the moment.

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Creative liberties in Mary and Joseph’s relationship

Netflix's Mary also gives a modern twist to Mary and Joseph’s first meeting, using a “meet-cute” situation guided by the angel Gabriel. Joseph’s dialogues and actions, though brave, include dramatic changes, like saving Mary from being stoned. These changes don’t match the Jewish courtship norms of the time and traditional accounts of their betrothal.

Joseph’s portrayal as a strong and young protector shows his dedication but lacks the maturity that is often attributed to his role as Mary’s husband. The film’s choice to show Joseph physically fighting for Mary and engaging in action-packed sequences may resonate with modern audiences but feels out of place in the historical and biblical context.

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The birth scene and religious issues

Netflix's Mary also changes the story of Jesus’ birth. The film shows Mary experiencing intense labor pains, assisted by midwives. This depiction contradicts Catholic teachings, which hold that Mary, free from original sin, would have been exempt from the pains of childbirth.

More dramatic elements include an encounter with the devil during Mary’s labor, which isn’t based on the Bible and raises theological questions about divine protection over Mary and the infant Jesus.

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Herod’s expanded role and historical reversals

Netflix's Mary expands Herod’s role significantly, comparing his harsh rule to the kindness of Mary and Joseph. However, changing the order of events, like the Presentation of Jesus happening after the massacre of the innocents, may confuse viewers familiar with the biblical timeline.

The action-packed chase scenes with Herod’s soldiers, including a horse-and-buggy escape, add suspense but seem more fitting for an adventure movie than a respectful depiction of the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt.

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Netflix's Mary is available to stream worldwide in the countries where the platform exists.