Mary Magdalene (2018)

Mary Magdalene is impressive. For a start, it feels like a movie someone really wanted to make rather than one a Studio executive thought could make a lot of money out of a religious demographic.

The filmmakers claim in the press blurb to be making a film aimed less at a narrow Christian audience and more at a wider spiritual one. I found myself completely caught up in her story (or herstory) and never found it twee, clichéd or picture postcard-y. Not for one minute. It deserves to have both religious and non-religious people go and see it and make up their own mind.

Rooney Mara takes on the iconic biblical character that is Mary Magdalene with a touching delicacy and finesse, evoking a subtly captivating and empowering female film character. Crucial to this take on the story of Jesus from a female perspective, Mara’s is a performance that may yet prove to be iconic, and is matched only by her breakthrough in Girl with a Dragon Tattoo (yes, it even surpasses her turn in Carol).

Joaquin Phoenix is well-suited to the role of Jesus of Nazareth while Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tahar Rahim (A Prophet) are excellent additions as Peter and Judas. Phoenix captures the gentleness and passion of his role convincingly but there are times when he becomes a bit cartoony. There are also moments when his voice unintentionally recalls his infamous performance as Commodus in Gladiator (which you hardly want to be reminded of in a film like this!).