The Netflix Mary movie is an abomination to entertainment and film adaptations of Scripture. Nevertheless, Netflix thought it wise to buy the distribution rights to it. Christian media is often instrumental in promoting faith-based films. Yet across the landscape, Mary was ignored by Evangelical media outlets. Despite being a Roman Catholic faith-based film (or lack thereof), it was for the most part ignored. However, one Evangelical outlet promoted the film: Ed Stetzer’s Church Leaders.
In an article titled, “‘Mary’ Director DJ Caruso Discusses Anthony Hopkins as King Herod and Controversy Surrounding Netflix’s New Film” Church Leaders promotes the unfaithful film. Addressing creative liberty:
Caruso explained that he wanted to showcase Mary’s challenges while drawing parallels to contemporary struggles. “She was a young woman dealing with extraordinary circumstances—circumstances that still feel relevant today,” he said.
While Caruso’s “Mary” honors the Scriptures, it allows plenty of room for creative liberties to fill in the gaps of the biblical story. “The foundation comes from what we know in Matthew and Luke,” Caruso explained. “But there’s creative interpretation to explore themes and situations that aren’t explicitly detailed, like the journey to Egypt or encounters with Roman soldiers.”
It’s worth reiterating that the Holy Family never went to Egypt in the movie, instead opting to go to Jerusalem in faith while Herod was still alive.
The film has not been without its challenges. The casting of Noa Cohen and Ido Tako as Mary and Joseph, respectively, resulted in criticism from anti-Israel protesters. Caruso, however, remained loyal in his casting decision.
“Noa is such an extraordinary actress, and Ido had this incredible energy that they were Mary and Joseph,” he said. “They happened to be Jewish, they happened to be from the region where the story took place. And to me it was just, it was really a no brainer just to pick them based on their talent.”
Apparently, the film is controversial for casting Israeli actors, which would explain their lack of reverence.
Caruso hopes viewers come away with a deeper appreciation for Mary’s humanity and strength. “We’ve seen her heartbreak as a mother in films like ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ but this movie is about how she got there—the decisions she made and the obstacles she faced,” he said. “I want young girls to see her as a hero…thinking, ‘Wow, she was like me when I was a young girl.’”
And so ends the uncritical fluff piece of Ed Stetzer’s outlet.
One Response
AI applied to the Shroud of Turin has proven Jesus was White and looked exactly (as odd as this is to say) like the Mormon depictions of Jesus, so using Brown Arab actress for Mary is another reason to add to a billion others to not watch the movie.