This December, Netflix is gearing up to unveil a fresh take on the Nativity story with its new film, Mary. Set for release on December 6, the movie promises to present an intimate look at the life of the Virgin Mary, exploring the trials and triumphs of a young woman chosen for an extraordinary calling.
Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film features Israeli actress Noa Cohen portraying Mary, alongside Ido Tako as Joseph. Notably, Academy Award-winning Anthony Hopkins takes on the role of the formidable King Herod. The film aims to provide a personal perspective on Mary’s journey, showcasing her resilience amid the societal challenges she faces upon discovering her miraculous destiny.
Producer Mary Aloe, who identifies as a devoted Christian, described the film as a “labor of love.” She emphasized its relevance in today’s world, highlighting the story’s themes of faith and sacrifice. Aloe expressed her vision for the film, stating, “This story is needed now more than ever in our world. As a woman, a Christian, and a producer, Mary’s story is important to me. This is a story of faith, hope, and pure love.”
Creating a Relatable Mary
What sets Mary apart is its dual portrayal of its titular character: both as a revered figure in history and as a relatable young woman facing rejection and adversity. As Mary contends with her new reality, she and Joseph are pursued by King Herod, who is relentless in his obsession with power. Their flight into hiding brings its own challenges, emphasizing the film’s central themes of love and faith.
Caruso, a practicing Catholic and father of five, aims to cast Mary in a new light, one that resonates with modern audiences. He shared his belief that “Mary is the most extraordinary woman ever to walk this earth.” The director’s mission is to depict Mary not just as a holy figure, but as someone whose story of love and courage can inspire all, particularly younger generations.
In crafting Mary, Caruso and Aloe took great care to ensure both spiritual depth and historical accuracy. They collaborated with theologians, religious scholars, and clergy, revising the script written by Timothy Michael Hayes over 70 times. Caruso credited the late Bishop David G. O’Connell as an invaluable spiritual advisor, stating, “It was essential to stay true to the biblical narrative… He helped me interpret the scriptures in a way that was both relatable and deeply emotional.”
Filmed on location in Morocco, the cast also includes talents such as Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, and Eamon Farren. Aloe expressed hope that the film would resonate widely, encouraging viewers of various backgrounds to seek a deeper understanding of Mary’s journey, as well as her sacrifices. As such, Mary is positioned to join the ranks of other recent biblical films that have engaged contemporary audiences in the stories of faith.
As anticipation builds, audiences around the globe eagerly await the opportunity to experience this cinematic retelling of one of history’s most significant narratives when it drops on Netflix in just a few weeks.
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