Netflix’s Upcoming Biblical Epic ‘Mary’ Will Be Very, Very, Very Roman Catholic
Netflix just dropped the trailer for ‘Mary,’ a “coming-of-age biblical epic that tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus.”
Directed by DJ Caruso, a devout Roman Catholic, the film’s copy reads:
“Chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, Mary (Noa Cohen) is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and Joseph (Ido Tako) go on the run — bound by faith and driven by courage — to save his life at all costs.’
Releasing on December 6th and told through the eyes of Mary, it is almost sure that unbiblical Roman Catholic doctrines about the mother of Jesus will be present in some way, including the notion that she was immaculately conceived, was completely sinless and that she was a perpetual virgin, which Caruso seemingly suggests in interviews he has done with Aleteia. When asked about his inspiration for the film, Caruso offers:
“As a practicing Catholic, I believe Mary is the most extraordinary woman ever to walk this earth. Her story, especially for younger generations, has often been underappreciated. I wanted to create a film that presents Mary as someone we can all relate to … My hope is that audiences feel my reverence for Mary and come to see her not only as a holy figure but as a friend, a mother, and one of the greatest heroines ever to grace the screen. In the end, it’s her love that will save the world.”
Caruso reveals that the late Roman Catholic Bishop David G. O’Connell served as his “spiritual advisor” and “expert” on Mary and that with his help, the two of them:
“Carefully fictionalized the moments between Mary’s journey, adding tension, emotion, and pacing — all vital elements for compelling cinema — while preserving the truths of the miraculous events in her life. The plot remains faithful to the scriptures, with thoughtful interpretations that enhance the film’s central themes. In short, we aimed to honor the scriptures.”
He further insists:
“I want the audience to feel a deeper connection to Mary, to see a side of her they’ve never seen or imagined before. I hope the audience is inspired by her strength to overcome obstacles, just as she did. Ultimately, we can change the world if we fight for what is right and always choose love like Mary. My reverence for Mary runs deep, and I hope audiences come to view her as not only a holy figure but as a friend, a mother, and one of the greatest heroines ever to grace the screen.”
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Caruso likewise explains.
While (Mary) had fears and doubts, her courage and faith drove her to embrace her divine purpose. This film shines a light on that journey. By the film’s end, you will see that she has blossomed into the iconic Mary that so many adore.
Additionally, few people know the story of Mary’s birth — her parents’ quest to have a child and the miraculous outcome that resulted.
The reason that many people don’t know the story of Mary’s birth is that it is not in the bible but instead first pops up in the Protoevangelium of James, or Infancy Gospel of James, a pseudopigraphical book from the late second century that falsely purports to be written by the brother of Jesus and recounts apocryphal stories of Mary growing up.
GotQuestions summarizes the book:
When Mary is born, her parents keep close watch over her to make sure she cannot come into contact with any unclean thing, keeping her in her sanctuary-bedroom most of the time. At the age of three, Mary is taken to the temple and given to the priest.
…Mary lives in the temple until she is twelve; at that time, the priests decide she should marry, as it would not be proper for her to continue living in the temple. Joseph is chosen by lot to marry her, but he objects: “I have children, and I am an old man, and she is a young girl. I am afraid lest I become a laughing-stock to the sons of Israel.”
…Then comes the Roman decree for everyone to register in their hometown, so Joseph travels to Bethlehem with Mary and some of his sons by an earlier marriage.
…The Protoevangelium of James is the first work to insist that Mary remained a perpetual virgin. Joseph marries her simply to have her legally live in his home and had no intention of ever having sexual relations with her. He already has children through a previous marriage, so the “brothers” of Jesus are merely His stepbrothers and older than He is.
There is no reason to believe that Mary, though blessed among women, was immaculately conceived, remained sinless her whole life, and never engaged in sexual activity with her husband following Jesus’ birth.
Yet, the way things look, we expect all three to be suggested or hinted at in this film.
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