Mary Magdalene
A contemplative reimagining of Mary Magdalene as an independent disciple navigating faith, patriarchy, and political upheaval in ancient Judea.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- contemplative
- solemn
- spiritual
- reflective evening
- religious film discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film reverent and visually striking but lacking sufficient momentum and character depth.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Mary's perspective and leadership within Jesus's movement drive the story rather than serving as a peripheral subplot.
The film reframes Mary Magdalene as an independent follower and foregrounds tensions within the biblical account.
Judean landscapes, subdued physical settings, and composed devotional imagery support the film's meditative tone.
Mary rejects marriage and submission, faces an alleged exorcism by her family, and confronts Peter's hostility within the movement.
Films like Mary Magdalene, and why
The Last Temptation of Christ
revisionist biblical drama centered on a marginalized woman and spiritual transformation
The Gospel of John
austere historical religious drama focused on Jesus, discipleship, and competing interpretations of faith
The King of Kings
meditative biblical epic combining intimate character drama with political and religious conflict
Movie Details
- Director
- Garth Davis
- Release Date
- 2018-03-15
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (583)
Cast
- Rooney Mara
- Joaquin Phoenix
- Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Ariane Labed
- Ryan Corr
- Tahar Rahim
- Hadas Yaron
- Charles Babalola
- Shira Haas
- Uri Gavriel
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now
- Rent
- Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Mary Magdalene about?
- A contemplative reimagining of Mary Magdalene as an independent disciple navigating faith, patriarchy, and political upheaval in ancient Judea.
- What is Mary Magdalene like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mary Magdalene as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Mary Magdalene violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Mary Magdalene as moderate.
- What did critics think of Mary Magdalene?
- Critics broadly found the film reverent and visually striking but lacking sufficient momentum and character depth.
- Which films are like Mary Magdalene?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Temptation of Christ, The Gospel of John, and The King of Kings.
- How long is Mary Magdalene?
- Mary Magdalene runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mary Magdalene?
- In United States, Mary Magdalene streams on Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now.
