Sun Dec 08 00:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Netflix’s “Mary”: Hopkins Shines, But Biblical Drama Falls Flat

**London, UK** – Netflix’s new biblical drama, “Mary,” arrives on December 6th, promising a fresh take on the early life of Mary, mother of Christ. While veteran actor Anthony Hopkins delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance as Herod, the film struggles to overcome its sluggish pacing and underwhelming central character.

Hopkins, known for his memorable roles in films like *Silence of the Lambs*, steals every scene he’s in. His Herod, a booming, demanding presence who famously bellows “KNEEEEEEEL!”, is a highlight, though some may find the performance somewhat restrained compared to his previous work. However, the film would benefit greatly from significantly more of his screen time.

In contrast, the titular Mary, played by Noa Cohen, falls flat. Her pious pronouncements and somewhat tone-deaf attempts at consolation (“vision comes in many forms”) often feel jarring and unintentionally humorous. A late attempt to inject Marvel-esque intrigue into her character arc fails to resonate.

The film does offer a few memorable moments, including a thrilling escape from Herod’s soldiers during a burning Bethlehem and a surprisingly comical scene involving a wicker basket and a rooftop. These sequences, however, are few and far between, buried under lengthy, often tedious, dramatizations of biblical scripture.

Compared to last year’s musical “Journey to Bethlehem,” which also covered similar material with Antonio Banderas as Herod, “Mary” offers less compelling storytelling and overall entertainment value. While Hopkins’ performance provides some much-needed levity, it’s ultimately not enough to save the film from its flaws. Whether “Mary” will find its audience on Netflix remains to be seen.

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