Netflix’s new movie Mary has stirred up quite a buzz since its release, but I have to call it like I see it—this movie misses the mark when it comes to biblical accuracy. Sure, it’s visually stunning, and the effort to humanize Mary is commendable, but the story feels more like Hollywood fantasy than a true reflection of Scripture. Let me break down exactly why this movie might not sit well with Christians who know their Word.

What Mary Gets Wrong About Scripture

First off, while the film claims to honor Mary as a holy figure, it leans heavily on non-biblical texts like the Protoevangelium of James. Now, let me tell you, that’s already a red flag. This text isn’t even considered part of the Bible—it’s apocryphal, meaning it’s not inspired Scripture. The filmmakers took details from it, like Mary’s supposed childhood in the temple, and made them central to her story. These additions might make for good drama, but they stray far from what the Bible actually teaches about Mary’s life.

And don’t get me started on the way they dramatized Mary and Joseph’s relationship. The Bible portrays Joseph as a righteous man who quietly accepted God’s plan (Matthew 1:19-25). But in Mary, their relationship is reimagined with unnecessary tension and fictionalized moments that, frankly, feel disrespectful. The Bible gives us enough depth to their story without Hollywood needing to spice it up.

The Issue with Historical and Theological Credibility

The filmmakers boast about consulting theologians and scholars, and Joel Olsteen is an Executive Producer on this film- but when you compare the movie to Scripture, it’s clear they took some liberties. For example, the portrayal of King Herod’s obsession and Mary’s life on the run feels exaggerated, like it’s straight out of an action movie rather than a biblical narrative. Yes, Herod did order the massacre of infants (Matthew 2:16), but the way this plays out in Mary feels more about creating suspense than staying true to the Bible.

Director D.J. Caruso stated to Tudum in an interview about the film,

“From a cinematic perspective, this film is essentially an origin story of Christianity, centered on Mary as the chosen one to deliver the world its greatest gift,” Caruso said. “Like many reluctant heroes, she initially has her doubts, but in a decisive moment, she proclaims her ‘fiat’ — ‘Let it be done to me according to God’s will.’ ”

And let’s talk about the tone. The Bible consistently uplifts Mary as a woman of faith, humility, and strength. But this movie tries to present her as a relatable “everywoman,” downplaying her unique role in God’s plan. Mary was handpicked by God to carry Jesus—she’s not just a heroine; she’s blessed among women (Luke 1:28). This attempt to “modernize” her story ends up watering down her spiritual significance.

What’s the Goal Here?

The director, D.J. Caruso, also said he wanted to make Mary relatable for younger audiences and show Mary “in her most human and relatable form”, and I respect the effort to bring her story to life. But when you have to add fictionalized details and step outside the Bible to do it, you lose the authenticity that makes her story so powerful. Instead of drawing people closer to the truth, the movie risks misleading viewers who might not be familiar with the Bible.

Why This Matters

As believers, we should care about how God’s Word is represented, especially in mainstream media. Yes, Mary is entertainment, but when it claims to tell the story of one of the most important figures in Christianity, there’s a responsibility to get it right. When filmmakers take liberties with Scripture, they risk diminishing its power and leading audiences astray.

If you’re thinking about watching Mary, I recommend reading Luke 1 and 2 first. Ground yourself in the truth of God’s Word so you can spot the differences because there are many. Movies like this remind us why it’s so important to know the Bible for ourselves. Don’t let Hollywood define your faith.

My Final Thoughts

Mary might look good on screen, but it doesn’t hold up under biblical scrutiny. For those of us who grew up in church, singing hymns about Mary, this movie feels like a letdown. If you’re looking for a story that truly honors her, stick to the Scriptures. The Bible doesn’t need Hollywood’s help to make it compelling—it’s already one of the greatest stories ever told.