Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: Mary Magdalene
| Movie | Mary Magdalene |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Director | Garth Davis |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 120 minutes (2h 0m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Mary Magdalene (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Mary Magdalene are led by Rooney Mara . The supporting cast, including Joaquin Phoenix and Chiwetel Ejiofor , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Mary Magdalene does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Mary Magdalene has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Mary Magdalene
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, Mary Magdalene is a Drama film directed by Garth Davis, written by Helen Edmundson. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rooney Mara as Mary Magdalene.
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 Rooney Mara's journey, 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 Rooney Mara as Mary Magdalene in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Garth Davis builds this foundation carefully, and across its 2h 0m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Rooney Mara's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings Rooney Mara's arc to its natural conclusion. Garth Davis's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene Ending Explained: Directed by Garth Davis, Mary Magdalene wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Rooney Mara. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Mary Magdalene reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Mary Magdalene?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Rooney Mara or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Mary Magdalene
| 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.
Where to Watch Mary Magdalene Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Zee5
Amazon VideoMary Magdalene Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about Mary Magdalene age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Mary Magdalene (2018) is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Directed by Garth Davis, the film runs for 120 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Mary Magdalene is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Magdalene worth watching?
Mary Magdalene is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Mary Magdalene parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Mary Magdalene identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Mary Magdalene (2018)?
The runtime of Mary Magdalene (2018) is 120 minutes (approximately 2h 0m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.




