Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene

Movie spotlight

Mary Magdalene

2018
Movie
120 min
English

In the first century, free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees the marriage her family has arranged for her, finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic52/100
Google Users70%
Director: Garth DavisGenres: Drama, Biography, History

Plot Summary

Mary Magdalene is a 2018 biblical drama film that tells the story of Mary, a young woman from Magdala in Galilee, who is forced into a marriage with a Roman soldier. Dissatisfied with her life, she defies societal expectations and seeks spiritual fulfillment. Her journey leads her to Jesus of Nazareth, where she finds a new path and becomes one of his most devoted followers, experiencing profound spiritual awakening and understanding.

Critical Reception

Mary Magdalene received mixed reviews from critics. While the performances, particularly Rooney Mara's portrayal of Mary, and the film's visual style were often praised, many critics found the narrative to be slow-paced and lacking in dramatic impact. The film was also noted for its attempt to present a more humanistic and feminist interpretation of Mary Magdalene, which resonated with some viewers and critics but was also a point of contention for others.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visual beauty and Rooney Mara's compelling performance.

  • Criticized for a slow pace and a lack of significant dramatic development.

  • Appreciated for its attempt to offer a fresh, feminist perspective on a biblical figure.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a visually pleasing and contemplative take on the biblical story of Mary Magdalene. Many appreciated the focus on her personal journey and spiritual growth, with some finding it a moving and insightful portrayal. However, a segment of viewers felt the film was too slow and lacked the emotional depth or narrative drive they expected.

Fun Fact

Director Garth Davis intentionally avoided showing Mary Magdalene as a prostitute, a common misconception that has persisted for centuries, aiming instead for a portrayal rooted in historical and theological scholarship of her role as a devoted follower.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Larry

Larry

Viewed this film at the theater this past weekend. From previous reviews we had read, we were truly expecting a great film. When the film finished we were left with "a that's it" attitude. At best a mediocre film. The sound for the film ...

Youtube Reviews

6 videos