The story of Jesus Christ has been captured on film numerous times. We’ve seen great depictions, horrible attempts, and very violent tales (looking at you, “The Passion of the Christ”). So, the idea of yet another re-telling of the Jesus Christ story might seem a little…boring. But when you add actors Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix, teaming with director Garth Davis, suddenly film fans will take note. That’s what makes the upcoming “Mary Magdalene” so interesting.
As you might guess, “Mary Magdalene” stars Mara as the controversial Biblical character. Mary is a young woman that is unhappy with her current life. However, when the mysterious Jesus Christ (Phoenix) comes to town, suddenly Mary finds a new purpose, and perhaps love with this outsider. And if this sounds like a love story and less like the story you were told growing up, then that’s because the new trailer for the film could be taken as a period love story, especially if you strip away all the Biblical messages.
“Mary Magdalene” is directed by Davis, who is best known for the Oscar-nominated work on “Lion.” His latest film was stuck in film purgatory the last year or so, as The Weinstein Company crumbled, leaving “Mary Magdalene” without distribution. Now, over a year after it was originally supposed to hit theaters, Davis’ film will finally get its release thanks to IFC Films.
The film stars the aforementioned Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix, as well as Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tahar Rahim, Denis Menochet, and Ariane Labed.
“Mary Magdalene” finally hits theaters on April 12, and will arrive on VOD and digital on April 19.