Mary Magdalene

Even more boring than the source material.

Host ratings: 49 / 59 / 75. Podcast review link: https://rydeorwrong.podcaster.de/rydeorwrong/folge-049-maria-magdalena-2018-next-joker/

Slow, melancholic and feminist view on Mary Magdalene's life and her influence on that Jesus fellow. Looks and sounds amazing and both leads deliver well performances. It is a faith based movie and you definitely need to know the source material, so expect some christianity deep dives on your part while watching the movie.

I think this movie mostly achieves what it set out to do: reframing the story of Mary Magdalene in a more positive and feminist light, while staying as true as possible to the biblical text. The end result just doesn't make for particularly interesting cinema, and even in her own movie Mary feels like a supporting character for large stretches, as the film needs to check off all the important stops on Jesus' final journey. Mara and Phoenix are worth watching, though.

Cast and screen not bad. But scenario is awful and boring.

Respectful and reverent telling does surprisingly little with the conceit of Magdalene's point of view, instead presenting a fairly straightforward telling of Christ's capture and crucifixion; unfortunately as seen through Magdalene's eyes, the most dramatic and interesting moments happen off-screen. Phoenix makes for a compelling Christ and Mara a soulful Magdalene; atmospheric location photography is a definite plus.

Bore off. At least try to make a good film with these quality actors at your disposal.

51.00