Mary (2024)

Netflix’s Mary dives into what Mary’s life could have looked like leading up to her conception and Jesus’ birth. The show doesn’t focus too much on historical reality and instead offers a romanticized, action-packed tale. Mary feels like a mix between a CW series and a historical epic like Troy and Ben-Hur. For Christians wanting a religious story this holiday season, Mary will be enjoyable.

Although marketed as a historical epic, Mary is more of a straightforward dramatization of the story of the Virgin Mary. It takes creative liberties and adds more background to Mary (Noa Cohen) than the gospels do. However, it adds little flair or commentary to the story. Even so, viewers will enjoy the simplistic and beautiful recreation of the Nativity and Anthony Hopkins' ionate performance as King Herod. Ultimately, it's a good choice for those looking for a more simple faith-based film around the holidays that largely lets the story speak for itself.