New Netflix film 'Mary' sparks debate over portrayal of Jesus' mother

A new Netflix film titled "Mary" depicts the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and has sparked controversy among viewers and religious scholars. Critics have raised concerns about historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of family dynamics, which some argue do not align with Biblical texts. The film presents Mary as a more relatable character, but some religious commentators object to its depiction of her childbirth experience, which contradicts traditional Catholic teachings. Additionally, the casting of Jewish Israeli actress Noa Cohen as Mary has led to debates about representation, with some viewers suggesting an Arab Palestinian actor would have been more appropriate. Despite mixed reactions, "Mary" has gained popularity on Netflix since its release on December 6. The film's director emphasized the goal of portraying Mary in a human way, aiming to connect with audiences while acknowledging the complexities of her story.