Netflix‘s latest release, “Mary,” a Biblical drama retelling the story of Jesus Christ’s birth through his mother’s eyes, has generated a firestorm of criticism.
Released on December 6, the film faced backlash for casting choices. Lead roles played by Israeli actors, including Noa Cohen as Mary and Ido Tako as Joseph. The controversy has led to widespread boycott calls on social media.
Backlash Over Casting Decisions
Critics argue that casting Israeli actors erases the Palestinian heritage of Biblical figures like Mary and Joseph.
Many have pointed out the insensitivity of this decision given ongoing Middle East conflicts.
Social media users have labelled the move as “historically inaccurate” and accused Netflix of promoting “Palestinian erasure.” One viral post with over 1.6 million views described the casting as “diabolical,” further fueling boycott campaigns.
It is disappointing to see the twisted narrative of the #Netflix movie “#Mary”. This is disappointing to see that there is a deliberate attempt to distort the significance of the Biblical narrative and promote a narrative that is historically inaccurate.
— Prashanth Srinivas Sriraj (@theashvault) December 7, 2024
Director D.J. Caruso defended the casting, stating that selecting actors from Israel was intended to ensure “authenticity.” However, this explanation has done little to calm critics, who question why Palestinian or Middle Eastern Christian actors were not chosen for such significant roles.
Mixed Reactions from Audiences
While some viewers have praised the film’s production quality and storytelling, others have criticized its portrayal of Mary as inconsistent with traditional religious stories.
Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight concerns over the film’s alignment with Church teachings and its emphasis on social issues rather than spiritual themes.
Added to the controversy, critics have also criticised the film’s costumes and settings, describing them as unauthentic for the period. British model Dudley O’Shaughnessy’s portrayal of Gabriel has been another point of contention, with some calling it “bizarre.”
Broader Implications
Mary’s release comes at a sensitive time, as Middle East tensions remain high. Critics have linked Netflix’s decision to cast Israeli actors to broader unfair accusations.
This is particularly relevant in light of the platform’s removal of Palestinian content earlier this year. This has intensified calls for accountability from both religious and pro-Palestinian groups.
What are your thoughts on Netflix’s casting choices? Should filmmakers prioritize historical accuracy or artistic vision?