With Christmas just around the corner, Netflix is offering Christian viewers a chance to celebrate the story of the Immaculate Conception with a film that places Jesus’ mother in the spotlight. The streaming giant is backing the faith-based film “Mary,” which tells the Biblical story of the Virgin Mary, who becomes pregnant with the Son of God and suffers persecution to keep him alive.
An official synopsis of the film reads, “Through Mary’s eyes, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus. Chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, Mary (Noa Cohen) is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and Joseph (Ido Tako) go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs.”
“Mary” is directed by D.J. Caruso and written by Timothy Michael Hayes. The cast also includes Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, and Mila Harris. Controversial pastor Joel Osteen serves as an executive producer on the film.
The project marks the latest example of Netflix’s expansion into faith-based programming. Netflix entered the lucrative programming niche with the three-part documentary series “Testament: The Story of Moses” in March 2024. The streamer also expanded its overall deal with Tyler Perry to include a pact to produce faith-based films alongside “Miracles from Heaven” producer Devon Franklin.
Films like “Sound of Freedom” have recently made the case that faith-based films continue to have strong box office staying power. But “Mary” will only be available on Netflix, as the streamer continues to be committed to streaming exclusivity. The one major exception might come in the form of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “The Chronicles of Narnia” — which, ironically enough, will be adapted from C.S. Lewis’ novels that are widely interpreted as Christian allegory.
“Mary” streams on Netflix on Friday, December 6. Watch the trailer below.
