Mary Magdalene

R

Released Apr 12, 2019

2h 0m

Drama

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List

44%

Tomatometer

113 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.

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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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

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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

Pamela H

It's apparent the director or any of the actors are not familiar with the Bible. This adaptation was painful to watch Phoenix try to depict Jesus's personality. How can a director lead an actor if they are inadequate in the subject to be believable. Aside from the blasphemy of Joaquin refusing to enact the actual Biblical truth and the director and producers allowing it, this movie is poorly researched for authenticity.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

11/24/22

Full Review

Paul N

The most unbiblical biblical movie I have seen.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/19/22

Full Review

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Garth Davis

Director

Rooney Mara

Mary Magdalene

Joaquin Phoenix

Jesus

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Peter

Tahar Rahim

Judas

Ariane Labed

Rachel

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Mary Magdalene: Trailer 1

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Mary Magdalene: International Trailer 2

1:06

Mary Magdalene: International Trailer 1

2:04

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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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