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Mary Magdalene

Play trailer 2:20 Poster for Mary Magdalene R Released Apr 12, 2019 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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44% Tomatometer 112 Reviews 49% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
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 Jesus. The sole woman among his band of disciples, Mary defies the prejudices of a patriarchal society as she undergoes a profound spiritual awakening and finds herself at the center of an Earth-shaking historical moment.

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Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene

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Critics Consensus

Mary Magdalene has obvious reverence for its subject; unfortunately, it lacks enough momentum or depth of character to make her story interesting.

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Critics Reviews

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Ben Sachs Chicago Reader Neither Rooney Mara (as Mary) nor Joaquin Phoenix (as Jesus) are especially compelling. Mar 25, 2020 Full Review Tim Cogshell FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles) It is so slow and so boring. Sep 27, 2019 Full Review Richard Roeper Chicago Sun-Times This is a noble effort, but ultimately Mary Magdalene isn't much less of a mystery than she was at the start of the journey. Rated: 2/4 May 3, 2019 Full Review Alex Flood NME (New Musical Express) What we're left with, sadly, is a frustrating quasi-biopic that never quite gets a grip on its subject matter. Rated: 3/5 May 18, 2021 Full Review Charles Koplinski Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam In the title role, Rooney Mara is subtle but conveys a great deal in her introspective approach and while the movie is overlong, it's well-worth seeing as the conviction of the actress and the cast make it worthwhile. Rated: 3.0/4.0 Nov 20, 2020 Full Review Jason Fraley WTOP (Washington, D.C.) If you're simply looking for a spiritual reminder this Easter weekend, the film offers the disciples' Last Supper refrain: "His steadfast love is eternal." As an objective film grade, it's a 2-star take on a 4-star miracle. Rated: 2/4 Jul 24, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kelly R Rooney Mara is AMAZING as Mary of Magdalene. I wish the film gave her even more opportunity to shine. Probably one of the most real and realistic and probable portrayals of what Mary's life was truly like. Juoaquin Phoenix also, of course, brought unique layers to his role as well, though I wished he was more accessible. His mutual deep care and devotion to Mary felt missing, and it would have woven together a bit more. But the last moments of the film, I felt, opened my eyes in a profound way, to the power and the legacy of Mary... and what a prominent role she would have had in spreading the word of love and god. I come from an interfaith family, and this was a deeply stirring film for me. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/27/24 Full Review Thomas S Beautifully shot and acted by Phoenix and Mara but lacked inspiration Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/16/24 Full Review Steve D Mara alone keeps it watchable for the non converted. Once it pushes the resurrection stuff and she takes a back seat it gets tedious. If it had focused more on Mary and her motives it would have been really strong. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/14/24 Full Review Andy L Beautiful and transportive. It felt real and whimsical at the same time. I love the slightly modern edge it has while still feeling authentic. We need more Bible films like this. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The movie itself is good...as far as the actors/acting, quality, etc. However, I really didn't like that the movie is based on a real person and events yet isnt accurate. If I watch a biblical movie I would like it to be accurate. One of the worst parts is that Jesus delivered Mary from 7 demons, yet he says there are no demons here in the movie. When watching faith movies I'm looking for knowledge and enjoyment. Why on earth would the creator take it upon themselves to tell their own version of the story? I was confused at first , like did I not understand the bible version, was the bible metaphorical lbs? Then after googling I realized, no, the movie just left out ALOT of important details. This is borderline (is) witchcraft, because you are trying to control my perspective of Mary. I would love to see more from the creators, but I feel it would be untouchable if the story was accurate. Leave the creativity/imagination for a different genre. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review johann m This biblical drama directed by Garth Davis and starring Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix, follows Mary Magdalene, a Jewish woman, who becomes a true disciple of Jesus and remains with him despite being in conflict with Saint Peter, and goes on to witness the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The film itself might not have a very clear depth of character for Mary but it certainly intends to clear her name and debunk the wrong belief that she was a prostitute, a theory originated by a pope in the 6th century. However, this is a feminist defense of Mary and it is worth seeing it. Also, the last score composed by the late Johann Johannson makes it even more clear that his death was a terrible loss for music. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Mary Magdalene

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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 Jesus. The sole woman among his band of disciples, Mary defies the prejudices of a patriarchal society as she undergoes a profound spiritual awakening and finds herself at the center of an Earth-shaking historical moment.
Director
Garth Davis
Producer
Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Liz Watts
Screenwriter
Helen Edmundson, Philippa Goslett
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
See-Saw Films, Porchlight Films
Rating
R (Bloody and Disturbing Images)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 12, 2019, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 19, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$114.3K
Runtime
2h 0m
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