An interesting new take on a very well-known tale and a praiseworthy act of revisionism, but one which doesn’t ultimately deliver on its early promise.
Ultimately Mary Magdalene is a restrained, moving version of The Greatest Story Ever Told, if one can embrace its commitment to spare simplicity and spirituality.
This very earnest and pious new film about Mary Magdalene would surely have benefitted from a little of the ribaldry and irreverence found in Monty Python’s The Life Of Brian.
Pleasant to look at, but never particularly thrilling. Not exactly feminist, either.
Mara brings her customary intensity to the role, but she doesn’t have much to do beyond gazing beatifically at the ever-enigmatic Phoenix.
Rooney Mara is as pale as alabaster and invests her role with a wide-eyed innocence but some powerful emotions or intense drama would make the film a more compelling proposition.
Despite Rooney Mara’s best efforts, there’s nothing much about Mary in this earnest attempt to restore the saint’s reputation.
Think you know Mary Magdalene? Think again.
Mary Magdalane: Why has she been so maligned? New film goes back to origins.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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