Is Mary Magdalene Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Mary Magdalene is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 120 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Mary Magdalene Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2018, Mary Magdalene emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In the first century, free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees the marriage her family has arranged for her, finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus. Unlike standard genre fare, Mary Magdalene attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Mary Magdalene features a noteworthy lineup led by Rooney Mara . Supported by the likes of Joaquin Phoenix and Chiwetel Ejiofor , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Mary Magdalene (2018) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Mary Magdalene Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Mary Magdalene is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. In the first century, free-spirited Mary Magdalene flees the marriage her family has arranged for her, finding refuge and a sense of purpose in a radical new movement led by the charismatic, rabble-rousing preacher named Jesus. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Mary Magdalene Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Mary Magdalene concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Mary Magdalene reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Mary Magdalene?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Mary Magdalene Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $20.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Mary Magdalene Budget
The estimated production budget for Mary Magdalene is $20.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Mary Magdalene
- Rooney Mara – Mary Magdalene
- Joaquin Phoenix – Jesus
- Chiwetel Ejiofor – Peter
- Ariane Labed – Rachel
- Ryan Corr – Joseph
Top Highlights
Rooney MaraMary Magdalene
Joaquin PhoenixJesus
Chiwetel EjioforPeter
Ariane LabedRachel
Ryan CorrJoseph
Tahar RahimJudas
Hadas YaronSarah
Charles BabalolaAndrew
Shira HaasLeah
Uri GavrielPhilip
Where to Watch Mary Magdalene Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Zee5
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Mary Magdalene is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, Mary Magdalene stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2018 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Magdalene movie hit or flop?
Mary Magdalene has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Mary Magdalene worth watching?
Mary Magdalene is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Mary Magdalene online?
Mary Magdalene may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Mary Magdalene
Viewed this film at the theater this past weekend. From previous reviews we had read, we were truly expecting a great film. When the film finished we were left with "a that's it" attitude. At best a mediocre film. The sound for the film was terrible, hardly audible in parts. Scenes did not seem to flow. The actors were not a distraction, but they left us with the feeling that this was just another movie they are getting paid for. Did not go to the movie for a religious perspective. Open minded to any possible correction to beliefs assumed through the years. It was amazing that I later found out that Mary Magdalene was considered a prostitute, and that it was not until 2016 that the Catholic Church changed her status to Apostle of Apostles. This did not come out in the film.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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