This winter, you’re invited to journey back in time to experience the story of the Nativity from a fresh perspective: through the eyes of Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus Christ. Directed by D.J. Caruso (Disturbia) and written by Timothy Michael Hayes, this uplifting biblical epic follows Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus, as they flee the relentless pursuit of King Herod, portrayed by two-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins. 

“Mary is the most extraordinary woman ever to walk this earth, yet her story remains largely unknown beyond a few passages in the Bible,” Caruso told Netflix. “I embarked on this journey — to create a film that presents her in her most human and relatable form. When I first read Tim’s script, I knew it could serve as the foundation for my goal: to portray Mary as someone we can all connect with, not just as a saint but as the young woman we all recognize before her sanctification.”

Producer Mary Aloe was a key force in the creation of this film and worked diligently to put together an amazing team both above and below the line. With Hannah Leader, Gillian Hormel, and Joshua Harris also serving as producers and Pastor Joel Osteen as an executive producer on the film, Mary will take audiences on the coming-of-age journey of one of the most revered young women of all time. 

Read on to learn more about Mary.

Christopher Raphael

What is Mary about?

Through Mary’s eyes, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus. 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.

Aloe and the filmmakers consulted with a wide range of religious scholars and leaders to capture the story’s historical elements, and to center Mary of Nazareth’s experience, revealing a side of the Queen of All Saints rarely seen on-screen. “From a cinematic perspective, this film is essentially an origin story of Christianity, centered on Mary as the chosen one to deliver the world its greatest gift,” Caruso said. “Like many reluctant heroes, she initially has her doubts, but in a decisive moment, she proclaims her ‘fiat’ — ‘Let it be done to me according to God’s will.’ ”

The film offers a fresh approach to telling this timeless story. Filmmakers replaced donkeys with horses and paired Herod’s relentless quest to find the Messiah with an action-packed element. This introduced tension that aimed to make the film more accessible to a broader audience.

Christopher Raphael

Christopher Raphael

Christopher Raphael

When will Mary be on Netflix?

Mary is now streaming on Netflix.

Who’s in the cast of Mary?

The ensemble cast of Mary includes:

• Noa Cohen (Silent Game, 8200) as Mary
• Ido Tako (The Vanishing Soldier, Sky) as Joseph
• Anthony Hopkins (The Father, The Silence of the Lambs) as King Herod
• Stephanie Nur (Lioness, 1883) as Salome
• Susan Brown (Game of Thrones, The Iron Lady) as Anna the Prophetess
• Ori Pfeffer (Hacksaw Ridge, Jolt) as Joachim
• Eamon Farren (Winchester, The Dig) as Satan
• Hilla Vidor (Funeral at Noon, Salsa Tel Aviv) as Anne
• Mili Avital (Stargate) as Mariamne
• Gudmundur Thorvaldsson (Chasing Robert Barker, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) as Marcellus 
• Dudley O’Shaughnessy (Montana, Top Boy) as Gabriel
• Keren Tzur (A Borrowed Identity, Past Life) as Elizabeth
• Mehmet Kurtulus (Big Game, In July) as Bava Ben Buta
• Mila Harris (A Friend of the Family, The Hill) as young Mary
• Milo Djurovic as Malachi

Caruso has nothing but glowing things to say about his leading lady. “Noa navigates the complexities of Mary’s journey so extraordinarily that every time I watch the film, she blows me away,” he said. “She beautifully captures Mary’s innocence, pain, joy, grace, and fierce perseverance in a captivating way.”

The director was also impressed by how Tako brought Mary’s loyal partner, Joseph, to life. “Ido’s sense of wonder and humor shine through, as does his struggle to accept why he was chosen for this immense task,” Caruso added. 

Meanwhile, Hopkins brought his own interpretation of King Herod to the set. “After reading the screenplay, he immediately connected Herod to Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible, a character who has long fascinated him, particularly in how power fed his ego as his world collapsed around him,” Caruso said. “I worked closely with Sir Anthony for about four weeks before he arrived on set. He was ecstatic and brought so much more to the role. That’s why he’s the GOAT.”

Can I see any Mary photos?

These images tell a moving story, as you can see in the photos throughout this article. The filmmakers worked closely with costume designer Tina Kalivas, hair and makeup designer Karen Hartley-Thomas, and production designer James Merifeld to immerse audiences in the time of Mary of Nazareth, while Gavin Struthers’ cinematography paints this lush world in bold colors. The film was also shot in Morocco and the result is a captivating set of visuals that bring the story to life in a beautiful way. Add in the music by Timothy Williams, and Mary is sure to transport you. 

Christopher Raphael

Christopher Raphael

What happens at the end of Mary?

You know the story, but you’ve never seen it quite like this. With Jesus’ miraculous birth and King Herod’s forces approaching, Mary and Joseph hunker down in hiding. Mary gives birth, and the pair escape to Jerusalem, where they’re married. 

It’s a close call — as they escape Herod’s forces, children and newborns are rounded up and slaughtered. Any of them could be the Messiah, or so Herod thinks. In reality, baby Jesus has slipped through his clutches. He stews in his throne room, and the angel Gabriel appears to taunt him one final time. His days are drawing to a close, while the Messiah’s are just beginning. “Love will cost you dearly; it will pierce your heart,” Mary intones as the film comes to a close. “But in the end, love will save the world.” 

“Ultimately, her love will be the force that saves the world,” Caruso said. “I hope audiences come to see her as a friend, a go-to mother, and the greatest heroine ever to grace the screen.”