Netflix's 'Mary' Faces Criticism for Casting, Historical Inaccuracies, and Tone

The biblical drama, produced by Joel Osteen and directed by D.J. Caruso, has drawn backlash over its portrayal of Mary and casting choices during heightened geopolitical tensions.

Netflix's 'Mary' reimagines the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, blending biblical themes with elements of a supernatural thriller and survival narrative.
The film has been criticized for its portrayal of Mary as a mythical, almost superhuman figure, which some argue distorts the biblical account and strains credibility.
Casting Israeli actors, including Noa Cohen as Mary, has sparked criticism, particularly during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, with some calling it insensitive to Palestinian heritage.
Religious groups and critics have labeled the film as historically inaccurate, blasphemous, and overly commercialized, with some accusing it of promoting modern political ideologies through a biblical lens.
Director D.J. Caruso stated his intent was to humanize Mary and make her relatable, but the movie's mixed tone and lack of narrative cohesion have left many viewers dissatisfied.