Mary, the Netflix film, primarily draws on Catholic traditions rather than historical or scriptural accuracy. It heavily incorporates elements from the Protoevangelium, which refers to the “first gospel” or the initial announcement of salvation found in Genesis 3:15.
However, the movie relies significantly on Catholic traditions about Mary, diverging further from both scriptural fidelity and historical authenticity.
Three Main Issues with the Netflix Movie Mary
1. Use of the Protoevangelium of James
The movie draws heavily from the Protoevangelium of James, an apocryphal text written around the 2nd century, to depict Mary’s early life. Mary’s father, Joachim, is depicted as being in great distress over his childlessness, feeling that it is a reproach. In an attempt to seek God’s favor and atone for his perceived failure, Joachim retreats to the desert to fast and pray for 40 days. This event, however, lacks support in Catholic traditions and scripture, and there is no historical or theological foundation for it. This raises questions about the filmmakers’ creative choices in shaping the narrative.
2. Misuse of John 8:41
The movie takes creative liberties with John 8:41, where the Jews say, “We are not illegitimate children,” in response to Jesus. The filmmakers spin this into a plotline where Mary is accused of immorality and nearly stoned to death. This fictionalized account borders on speculative storytelling, straying far from any historical or scriptural basis, and introduces unnecessary dramatic elements that detract from the core narrative.
3. Fictionalized Action Scenes
Like many Hollywood productions, the movie inserts action-driven plotlines to engage the audience. For example, when King Herod orders the massacre of infants in Bethlehem, the film portrays Joseph and Mary as remaining within Herod’s reach and engaging in a fight with his officers. This dramatization not only lacks scriptural support but also pushes the story further into the realm of fiction, undermining its credibility.
Additional Issues with the Netflix Movie Mary
The movie includes several other questionable elements, such as the depiction of Mary being dedicated to the temple of the Lord, similar to the prophet Samuel. While this event aligns with Catholic tradition, it appears historically and culturally inaccurate within the Jewish context, where such practices were uncommon and not widely followed. The inclusion of this detail seems intended to underscore the Catholic tradition of nuns, but its presence in the film leans more toward fiction than fact. It raises questions about the filmmakers’ motivations for incorporating this narrative.
One Positive Aspect
Amidst its many flaws, the film does succeed in one respect: capturing the madness of King Herod the Great. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Herod is compelling, offering a glimpse of his paranoia and tyranny that aligns with historical accounts.
Herod the Great began rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 20/19 BCE. This project turned the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures of the ancient world and a central site of worship for the Jewish people until its destruction in 70 CE by the Romans under General Titus. The destruction of the Temple was prophesied by Jesus in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 24:1–2, Mark 13:1–2, and Luke 21:5–6.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Mary and Joseph serve as powerful examples of individuals who said “yes” to God, even when the stakes were high. Their unwavering faith and obedience should inspire us all. However, the Gospels primarily focus on Jesus as the central example for us to follow.
At the wedding in Cana (John 2:5), Mary told the servants, “Do as He says.” I believe that even today, this would be her message to all of us. Like Mary, let us dedicate ourselves fully to God, but always remember that the focus must remain on Jesus, and Jesus alone.
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