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 the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus.
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Cast
- Rooney MaraMary Magdalene
- Joaquin PhoenixJesus
- Chiwetel EjioforPeter
- Ariane LabedRachel
- Ryan CorrJoseph
- Tahar RahimJudas
- Hadas YaronSarah
- Charles BabalolaAndrew
- Shira HaasLeah
- Uri GavrielPhilip
- 67
IndieWire
What emerges is the definition of a mixed blessing: a film of (often literal) peaks and troughs, scattering occasional moments of grace. - 60
Empire
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. - 60
The Telegraph
Oddly bloodless, but thought-provoking in a discussion group kind of way, it’s less successful as a film than as an exercise, but at least it’s a worthwhile one. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
Mary Magdalene is an uneasy viewing experience, ponderous and disjointed in places, but also crafted with conviction and a strong aesthetic vision. - 50
Variety
Hushed, deliberate and realised with considerable care and beauty, the resulting film has its heart entirely in the right place; its pulse, unfortunately, is far harder to locate. - 50
The Film Stage
The film itself is not a success, but the performance by Mara is complex and profound. If for no other reason, see it for her. - 40
The Guardian
The performances of Mara and Phoenix are careful and respectful, though with nothing like the lightning-flash of energy and scorn that they have given to secular roles in the past. - 40
Screen Daily
[A] clearly well-intentioned, attractive, wistful-to-the-point-of-inertia film.