Noticias

Six years ago, Ari Nesher, the teenage son of Israeli director Avi Nesher, was killed in a hit-and-run accident while riding an electric bicycle. He died on his 17th birthday. The case attracted international attention not only because the victim — a promising artistic soul with several short films already to his name — was the child of a celebrity, but because the driver was apparently famous as well. Newspapers reported the arrest and trial of a Premier League soccer player, who served time but was never convicted of manslaughter.

A sexy, modern and uncommonly introspective debut feature from Ari Nesher’s sister, Tom, “Come Closer” does the work of confronting this tragedy, but not in the way you might expect: The film opens with charismatic young Nati (Ido Tako) nearly getting run over on a bike. In this telling, however, the boy escapes that accident unscathed, only to be abducted by...

“Mary” is the new live-action ‘biblical epic’ feature, directed by D.J. Caruso, starring Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Anthony Hopkins, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus and Mila Harris, now streaming on Netflix:

“…through the eyes of ‘Mary’, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures.

“Chosen to bring the ‘Messiah’ into the world, Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding.

“When ‘King Herod’ orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and ‘Joseph’, go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs.”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Released just in time for the Christmas season, Netflix’s Mary purports to be an epic biblical narrative about the story of Mary (Noa Cohen) and the birth of Jesus Christ. The film begins with Mary’s parents praying for a child after years of failed attempts. After both are visited by Archangel Gabriel (Dudley O'Shaughnessy), they are blessed with a daughter who they are told will need to live in the service of God when called upon. As soon as she becomes a teenager, she’s sent away to a temple in order to fulfill that service. After some time, she encounters a young man named Joseph (Ido Tako) who is guided towards her by Gabriel. Subsequently, Mary is betrothed to him by her father. After committing to their engagement, but before their actual marriage, Mary is visited by the same angel and told she is pregnant with God’s child.

Netflix’s biblical epic Mary reimagines the well-known story of the Virgin Mary through a fresh lens, offering viewers a coming-of-age tale that focuses on her humanity. Directed by D. J. Caruso, the film portrays Mary’s journey as a young woman forced into hiding following the birth of Jesus. This ambitious adaptation humanizes Mary, showing her vulnerabilities and strength as she navigates an extraordinary and perilous chapter in her life. Here is a complete guide to the cast and characters that bring Mary’s historical and spiritual narrative to life:

‘Mary’: Main Cast & Characters Noa Cohen as Mary In the titular role, Noa Cohen delivers a moving performance as Mary. Cohen’s portrayal captures the complexities of Mary’s character, balancing her vulnerability as a young woman with her inner strength. Her performance is pivotal in making the biblical figure relatable to modern audiences. Ido Tako as Joseph

Ido Tako plays Joseph,...

When Netflix's new film Mary was released, it was met with low reviews from audiences and critics alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rotten critics' score of 27% and an audience score of 43%. Although the film's tone was a main concern for many viewers, the inaccuracies were an even larger flaw for most.

With more than 40 producers credited in the film, including megachurch pastor Joel Osteen, it's a surprise that inaccuracies would be allowed to slip through the cracks. Catholic director D. J. Caruso told Entertainment Weekly that he wanted the film "to ensure authenticity" when defending the decision to cast Israeli actors in the film despite controversy. However, the final product doesn't seem like the team behind Mary actually wanted the film to be that authentic.

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2/5 Mary

Release Date  December 6, 2024Runtime  110 MinutesMain Genre  DramaCast  Anthony Hopkins,...

“Some are born to be great, others have greatness thrust upon them.” This line from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night feels almost tailor-made for Mary, a figure whose greatness was never a matter of choice but divine destiny. So when Netflix’s Mary was announced, the anticipation was high.

What if we told you that one of the most pivotal figures in human history has rarely been fully understood? What if, despite the countless retellings of her story, there was still a deeper layer waiting to be peeled back? That’s what Mary, Netflix’s bold attempt to explore the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers—at least in theory.

Noa Cohen in Mary | Credit: Netflix

Some films promise an intense, soul-stirring journey, blending the richness of history with a heart-tugging story. D.J. Caruso’s film Mary attempts to deliver such an experience, plunging into the heart of one...

Talk about controversy. Palestinian supporters and Christians are up in arms over Netflix's new Christmas film, Mary. Despite that, though, Mary now ranks No. 4 on the Netflix "Global Top 10 Movies" with 21.2 million hours viewed and 11.4 million views (per Tudum). Most of the heated controversy swirling about the religious movie has to do with 22-year-old Israeli actress and model Noa Cohen portraying the Virgin Mary in the streaming biblical adaptation.

X/Twitter user @Johnpatrick500 is one of those who are upset, and he indignantly wrote, "“There is something profoundly offensive about having an Israeli actor play Mary, the mother of Jesus, while Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians, killing some of the oldest Christian communities in the world and erasing their heritage sites.” Cohen is a relatively new face to the acting game, having appeared in the TV shows Infinity and 8200 most recently. And it’s hard to imagine...

Vin Diesel is (fast and) furiously moving through a bevy of new creative projects. There’s Fast X: Part 2, the second installment of Fast X, which arrives in 2026. Meanwhile, Mary director D.J. Caruso, who worked with Diesel on xXx: Return of Xander Cage, is reportedly taking on another Diesel franchise offering, xXx 4, which has yet to head into production. Recently, Caruso and Diesel haven't hidden their immense appreciation for each other.

In early 2024, Diesel captured attention after posting an Instagram comment about Caruso, mentioning how his daughter, Hania Riley Sinclair, was moved to tears when she read a script Caruso gave him to consider. “My oldest daughter read the script that D.J. sent to me, thinking that it would fall into The Pacifier bracket,” the star wrote. “She cried… I asked her why she cried, and she said because the story of a brother and sister rang true for her,...

Mary is a 2024 film based around the mother of Jesus. However, the film, released in time for Christmas, has recently received backlash since its release. Some of the criticism highlighted executive producer and producer Joel Osteen.

Viewers Have Criticized Certain Scenes & The Film’s Cast

The film tells the story of the Virgin Mary, starting with her own early childhood to the birth of Jesus. Depicting Mary and Joseph’s flight into Egypt with the newborn Jesus, the story ends with their return to Jerusalem.

Actress Noa Cohen played Mary herself, with her younger self played by Mila Harris. Ido Tako played Joseph. Dudley O’Shaughnessy plays the angel Gabriel. Anthony Hopkins plays the antagonistic King Herod.

Noa Cohen in Netflix’s ‘Mary’ – YouTube

However, since the film’s release on December 6, 2024, some viewers thought the film took too many liberties with the source material. Many viewers have also taken to...

A tough-as-nails mother ready to risk it all for humanity? No, it’s not the latest Charlize Theron action thriller; it’s Mary, the ambitious and lavish Netflix production directed by DJ Caruso. Think of this as a coming-of-age biblical epic that tracks the Blessed Mother’s ordeals, as chronicled in the Bible — from being shunned following a miraculous conception to running into hiding. And it wouldn’t be a biblical tale without King Herod (a steely Anthony Hopkins), of course, meaning a devilish pursuit of the newborn baby Jesus, who Mary and Joseph (Noa Cohen and Ido Tako) try to hide. Faith, courage, and determination are big themes. The takeaway is how fierce and faithful a mother can be.

Viewers may not feel that devoted, though. Mary suffers from wanting to cram in too much and, at times, not enough. There’s no mention of the Roman Empire, for instance,...

In biblical adaptations, Mary emerges as a daring but failed attempt to breathe new life into the Virgin Mary’s age-old narrative. The film, released on Netflix, seeks to tear away the layers of sanctity that have encased its protagonist, presenting a portrayal of Mary who struggles with the weight of destiny and the burden of expectation.

By portraying her story through a coming-of-age lens, director D.J. Caruso aims to depict a young woman caught between the supernatural and the mundane—a contrast that raises profound existential concerns about agency, identity, and the often harsh theatre of fate.

Within the larger context of biblical adaptations, Mary occupies an unusual position. It wants to go beyond traditional retellings, which frequently whitewash the complexities of faith and humanity. Still, it stumbles into the very traps it seeks to escape. While films like The Nativity Story and Journey to Bethlehem frequently stick to canonical storylines,...

Countless films have depicted the life of Jesus—his miraculous birth, his teachings, and his ultimate sacrifice. In fact, if you tried to list them all, you’d likely run out of fingers long before reaching fifty or sixty. Yet, only a handful of films shift the focus to Mary, the Virgin Mother. Her story, as the chosen vessel to deliver humanity’s greatest gift, is just as profound and significant, though it’s rarely explored in depth. Fortunately, D.J. Caruso’s latest film, Mary (2024), brings this important narrative to life. The film centers on Mary, the virgin chosen by God to bear Jesus, and features an impressive cast, including Anthony Hopkins as King Herod, Noa Cohen as Mary, Ido Tako as Joseph, Hilla Vidor as Anne, and many other talented actors.

Mary (2024) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis: What’s the story of Mary’s Birth?

Joachim withdraws to the desert...

Our top pick this week, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” may not seem like an Academy Awards contender at first glance, but our predictions indicate it’s likely to earn a nomination for Best Makeup & Hairstyling. It’s quite an achievement turning Michael Keaton into the freaky “bio-exorcist” Betelgeuse.

Tim Burton returns to direct this nearly 40-years-in-the-making sequel, which reunites original film stars Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara and adds Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Burton’s “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega. This time, Lydia (Ryder) agrees to marry Betelegeuse in order to enter the Netherworld and save her daughter Astrid (Ortega). It’s a darkly whimsical sequel that’s Burton’s best film in a decade, and it’s now available on Max.

Here are some other movies to stream this weekend:

“Smile 2”: This blockbuster sequel is one of the highest-grossing horror movies of the year. Widely considered...

Historical accuracies should be the last thing in your mind upon streaming Netflix’s biblical epic Mary. Sure, director D.J. Caruso went as far as selecting an Israeli actress to portray the titular character in the name of authenticity played by relative newcomer Noa Cohen, whose only feature film credit was under-the radar 2022 drama Silent Game.

But in a biblical movie that opens with Mary’s voiceover narration: “You may think you know my story. Trust me, you don’t,” you might figure this curiously hip and modern dialogue looks as if Caruso aims to please today’s era of moviegoers. As it turns out, as per National Catholic Register interview with Caruso last month, he did want “to inspire, particularly younger viewers [and because of] a lot of what she went through is contemporary and what’s happening in the world today.”

And yet, despite all the noble intentions, Mary turns out to be a disappointment.

The story of the Virgin Mary is one that many know, regardless of their religious upbringing. However, over the last few decades, films have rarely focused on her personal experience. Mary, a new feature film on Netflix, chooses to take a thriller-based approach to the biblical epic. Following decades of her life, the movie surprises as one of Netflix’s best-looking flicks in 2024, while also reinventing the story as we know it.

Mary Plot

Starting before the titular character’s birth, the movie follows her parents’ fertility struggle before they finally have a child. Like their daughter, Joachim (Ori Pfeffer) and Anne (Hilla Vidor) are approached by the Angel Gabriel (Dudley O’Shaughnessy). They are provided a child after promising to raise it in the temple, and when Mary (Noa Cohen) grows up, they depart for Judea. Once there, she meets Joseph (Ido Tako), and the two are married. However, God has plans for the child,...

The film is debuting on Netflix just in time for the Christmas season.

Netflix wants to try its hand at telling the greatest story ever told. The streamer is hosting “Mary,” the new original movie about the life and times of Mary, Joseph and their newborn son Jesus which debuts on Friday, Dec. 6. The three must flee from the relentless pursuit of the jealous and obsessed King Herod, undertaking a journey that will have consequences for the entire world. You can stream the movie exclusively with a subscription to Netflix.

How to watch ‘Mary’ When: Friday, Dec. 6 at 3:01 a.m. Et TV: Netflix Stream: Watch with a subscription to Netflix. Sign Up $6.99+ / month netflix.com Everything you need to know about ‘Mary’

Watch a trailer for ‘Mary’

About ‘Mary’

How to stream ‘Mary’ from anywhere

When will ‘Mary’ be released?

Can you stream ‘Mary’ for free?

What similar titles can you stream on Netflix?...

Netflix's Biblical epic Mary details the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, as she is forced to go into hiding following the birth of her child. While the story itself is well known, the director, D. J. Caruso, hoped to bring new light to Mary's story through depicting it as a coming-of-age tale. The Netflix movie hopes to humanize Mary and show that, before becoming the biblical holy figure that people see her as today, she started out as a normal teenager thrust into a scary situation.

While some of Mary's cast are relative newcomers, the movie does include a few familiar faces as well. Both Mary and Joseph are played by young actors at the beginning of their careers, but Herod and several of Mary's other characters are played by recognizable actors. The Netflix film presents a gripping new take on a well-known figure that leaves audiences with...

Six years ago, director Tom Nesher tragically lost her 17-year-old younger brother, who was killed in a traffic accident. While in mourning, Nesher channelled her grief into the script for “Come Closer,” her bold, intoxicating new film in which the death of a beloved sibling is merely the starting point for a drama about identity, obsession and the uncertain future.

As part of TheWrap’s Screening Series, Nesher was joined by her lead actresses, Lia Elalouf and Darya Rosenn, for a heartfelt conversation about the film. “Come Closer” is the official Israeli submission for Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards.

In the film, Elalouf stars as Eden Atlas, a 20-year-old woman whose teenage brother (Ido Tako) is struck by a car and killed. Eden discovers that her brother had a secret girlfriend named Maya (played by Rosenn) and develops a fixation on her — Eden craves a closeness to Maya,...

Exclusive: Following a competitive pursuit, Anonymous Content has signed Noa Cohen, the up-and-coming Israeli actress and model who plays the title role in Netflix’s new biblical epic, Mary.

Premiering on the streamer this Friday, December 6, Mary reimagines the story of the mother of Jesus through her perspective. The film portrays Mary as a young woman facing rejection after her miraculous conception. When King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) orders the execution of Jesus, she and Joseph (Ido Tako) are forced go into hiding to protect their child. Cohen landed the role in the D.J. Caruso film following a worldwide search.

Other credits for Cohen include the hit Israeli series My Nephew from Hell and Infinity. Additionally, at the age of 17, she became the youngest-ever host of Israel’s most popular pop culture news show, Hazinor.

Other recent additions to the Anonymous Content roster include Senna showrunner Vicente Amorim, Grand Theft Hamlet...

“Mary” is the new live-action ‘biblical epic’ feature, directed by D.J. Caruso, starring Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Anthony Hopkins, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus and Mila Harris, streaming December 6, 2024 on Netflix:

“…through the eyes of ‘Mary’, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures.

“Chosen to bring the ‘Messiah’ into the world, Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding.

“When ‘King Herod’ orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and ‘Joseph’, go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs.”

Click the images to enlarge…...

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Netflix is ready with an entertainment-packed December this year. The upcoming month will see the premiere of many of Netflix’s original films including the highly anticipated Angelina Jolie film Maria and the action thriller film Carry-On starring Taron Egerton. Just like every month, Netflix is ready to overload you with great content. So, we’re here to tell you about the 7 best new movies coming to Netflix in December 2024.

That Christmas (December 4) Credit – Netflix

That Christmas is an animated Christmas fantasy comedy film directed by Simon Otto from a screenplay co-written by Richard Curtis and Peter Souter. Based on Curtis’ That Christmas and Other Stories, the 2024 film follows a series of entwined tales of family, friends, love, loneliness, and Santa’s big mistake. That Christmas’ voice cast includes Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Bill Nighy, Lolly Adefope,...

Netflix is no stranger to offering its subscribers plenty of entertaining and worthwhile movies. Their upcoming December films prove to be no different. While many of their holiday movies have already arrived on the platform, there are still a couple that are slated for release in the forthcoming weeks. However, for audiences who prefer something other than holiday films, the streaming service has plenty for them as well.

From action movies to true stories, there will certainly be a variety of films for viewers of all ages next month. No matter what a person might be in the mood for, the streaming platform likely has something anyone would deem worth watching. Whether viewers want to be inspired, thrilled, or embrace all the holiday feels, Netflix has something for everyone.

That Christmas Stream on December 4

That Christmas is an animated, family-friendly film that follows a myriad of intertwined stories in the community of Wellington-on-Sea.

Netflix has given life to the official trailer for ‘Mary,’ an coming-of-age Biblical epic set after the birth of “Jesus.”

Through Mary’s eyes, the film tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus. Chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, Mary (Noa Cohen) is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and Joseph (Ido Tako), go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs.

The feature stars Stephanie Nur as Salome, Susan Brown as Anna the Prophetess, Ori Pfeffer as Joachim, Eamon Farren as Satan, Hilla Vidor as Anne, Mili Avital as Mariamne, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson as Marcellus, Dudley O’Shaughnessy as Gabriel, Keren Tzur as Elizabeth, Mehmet Kurtulus as Baba ben Buta,...

“Mary” is the new live-action ‘biblical epic’ feature, directed by D.J. Caruso, starring Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Anthony Hopkins, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus and Mila Harris, streaming December 6, 2024 on Netflix:

“…through the eyes of ‘Mary’, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures.

“Chosen to bring the ‘Messiah’ into the world, Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding.

“When ‘King Herod’ orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and ‘Joseph’, go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs.”

Click the images to enlarge…...

"All things are possible..." Netflix has revealed an official trailer for a movie called Mary, yet another new take on the birth of Jesus story. This is ready for streaming in December already. Directed by DJ Caruso, Mary reveals a side of the icon we’ve never seen or even imagined before. Noa Cohen stars as Mary in this coming-of-age biblical epic tale in which Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod ignites a murderous pursuit for her newborn baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs. The ensemble cast includes Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O'Shaughnessy, and Keren Tzur, with Anthony Hopkins. So they made an action thriller about Mary? They must be really hoping...

Netflix has shared the official trailer and poster for the coming-of-age biblical epic Mary, which is coming to the streaming service on December 6, 2024.

In the movie, Mary is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod ignites a murderous pursuit for her newborn baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph go on the run – bound by faith and driven by courage – to save his life at all costs.

The film was directed by D.J. Caruso from a script by Timothy Michael Hayes. Filming took place in Morocco in early 2024.

The cast includes Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Susan Brown, Ori Pfeffer, Eamon Farren, Hilla Vidor, Mili Avital, Gudmundur Thorvaldsson, Dudley O’Shaughnessy, Keren Tzur, Mehmet Kurtulus, Mila Harris, and Anthony Hopkins.

Through Mary’s eyes, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus.

With Christmas just around the corner, Netflix is offering Christian viewers a chance to celebrate the story of the Immaculate Conception with a film that places Jesus’ mother in the spotlight. The streaming giant is backing the faith-based film “Mary,” which tells the Biblical story of the Virgin Mary, who becomes pregnant with the Son of God and suffers persecution to keep him alive.

An official synopsis of the film reads, “Through Mary’s eyes, this coming-of-age biblical epic tells the story of one of history’s most profound figures and the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Jesus. Chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, Mary (Noa Cohen) is shunned following a miraculous conception and forced into hiding. When King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) orders a murderous hunt for her newborn baby, Mary and Joseph (Ido Tako) go on the run – bound by faith and driven by...

This holiday season, Netflix chose a different approach to one of the most famous Biblical stories of all. In early December, the streamer is releasing Mary, a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of the birth of Jesus through the eyes of his mother (played by Silent Game's Noa Cohen). The epic movie will center around the life of Mary of Nazareth and the hate she was forced to endure with Joseph (Ido Tako) and her newborn baby after King Herod (Anthony Hopkins) orders that the Messiah be killed before he has a chance to grow up. The streamer released the trailer today, and the movie is set to premiere on December 6.

Exclusive: Greenwich Entertainment has acquired U.S. and Canada distribution rights to Come Closer, which is Israel’s submission to the Best International Feature Oscar race.

From director Tom Nesher and based loosely on incidents from her own life, the film recounts the sometimes twisted, sometimes comic and surprising aftermath that followed her young brother’s death. Nesher, daughter of renowned Israeli director Avi Nesher, took inspiration for the storyline from Ari Nesher, who was killed in a 2018 hit-and-run accident at age 17.

In the film, the only person Eden (Lia Elalouf) has ever really loved is her teenage brother, Nati. There are no secrets between them – or so Eden believes. When Nati is killed in a car accident, Eden discovers he had a secret girlfriend named Maya (Darya Rosenn). Eden embarks on a clandestine investigation, stalking Maya, befriending her and ultimately developing an obsession that pulls Maya into her own life,...

Netflix has released the first images of Mary, a biblical drama that will center on Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus Christ. Directed by C.J. Caruso and written by Timothy Michael Hayes, the upcoming Netflix movie explores Mary's life from a personal and spiritual perspective. It offers a nuanced look at Mary's journey, presenting a coming-of-age narrative set during the Nativity and the family's flight to Egypt from King Herod's persecution.

Now, Netflix has released the first images of their 2024 movie, Mary. the cast will feature Noa Cohen as Mary, Anthony Hopkins as King Herod, and Ido Tako as Joseph. The film also includes contributions from producers Mary Aloe and Hannah Leader, with Joshua Harris from PeachTree Media Partners bringing regional connections to the project. New images show a first look at Cohen's Mary and Hopkins' King Herod. Check out the images below:

What This Means for...

Another Biblical epic now has its eyes set on another major character. This time, it's Mary of Nazareth as she stars in an upcoming Netflix film, Mary. Directed by I Am Number Four's D.J. Caruso, Mary stars Silent Game actress Noa Cohen as Jesus' mother, Mary, as she and Joseph (Ido Tako) flee following King Herod's (Anthony Hopkins) orders for the Massacre of the Innocents.

Netflix subscribers will soon see the legendary Anthony Hopkins grace their screens in an upcoming biblical epic. The Oscar-winning actor's film, Mary, officially lands at the streaming giant.

Per Variety, Netflix confirmed picking up Mary, which features Hopkins and is directed by XXX: Return of Xander Cage and Disturbia helmer, D.J. Caruso, with Birdseye's Michael Hayes as the screenplay writer. Netflix will premiere Mary later this year, though no exact release date has been confirmed yet.

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Mary is a coming-of-age movie which sees Mary shunned and forced into hiding following her miraculous conception of Jesus Christ. Hopkins plays King Herod, who feels his reign on the throne faces a serious threat from baby Jesus, who is regarded as the savior, leading to him igniting...

Boris Lojkine’s drama The Story Of Souleymane has won Best International Film at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

The feature, which was feted with the Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize in May, revolves around a young man rehearsing his lines ahead of an asylum application interview as he cycles around Paris delivering food.

Romania’s Emanuel Parvu won best director for Three Kilometers to the End of the World about a young gay man who is brutally attacked when he returns to his conservative village in the Danube Delta wetlands region for the summer.

The jury International Feature competition jury consisting of Michel Franco, Guy Nattiv and Maria Choustova also awarded Hu Guan’s Black Dog with a Special Mention.

UK-Indian director Sandhya Suri’s rape drama Santosh won Best Film in the First Feature Competition, with Block Pass by French director Antoine Chevrollier scoring a Special Mention.

Bedouin...

Exclusive: Lionsgate Television has landed its first Israeli drama series.

The U.S. major is teaming with Israel’s Yes and Gil Formats on a spy drama based on the hunt for Doctor Josef Mengele starring Dark’s Oliver Masucci.

The as-yet-untitled show comes from vet Israeli producer Assaf Gil, who is creating with Moshe Zonder (Tehran) and Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz (The Girl from Oslo). Lionsgate is co-producing and distributing.

Masucci, who played Ulrich Nielsen in Netflix smash Dark and portrayed Adolf Hitler in 2015’s Look Who’s Back, stars as Uri, the alpha male of a kibbutz and one of the pioneers of the state of Israel. He and his wife Anna (Ania Bukstein) decide to leave behind their traumatic past as Holocaust survivors and start a new life in Israel. They keep quiet about their past for 25 years, until the day when Israeli spy agency Mossad forces Uri to return...

The biblical thriller Mary has reportedly wrapped production in Morocco, and Deadline reveals that the film will feature Sir Anthony Hopkins in another royal role after portraying the former King of Asgard, Odin, as well as Lear in the Prime original film, King Lear. Hopkins plays King Herod in the thriller that’s directed by DJ Caruso, whose credits include Disturbia, Eagle Eye and the Vin Diesel actioner xXx: Return of Xander Cage. He joins newcomer Noa Cohen, who plays the titular role. Cohen was chosen after a worldwide casting search and happened to grow up an hour away from where Mary was born in Israel. Cohen can be seen in the Israeli YA series My Nephew Bentz, Infinity and the 2022 feature Silent Game.

The plot synopsis, per Deadline, reads,

“In coming-of-age story Mary, the title character is shunned following the otherworldly conception of her child and forced into hiding.

Exclusive: Filming has recently wrapped in Morocco on under-the-radar biblical thriller Mary, starring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins as King Herod and emerging Israeli actress Noa Cohen as Mary.

In coming-of-age story Mary, the title character is shunned following the otherworldly conception of her child and forced into hiding. King Herod’s relentless drive to maintain power at any cost ignites the murderous pursuit of the newborn child that he believes is a threat to his reign on the throne. The film sees the young Mary and Joseph on the run and having to hide their baby, Jesus, at all costs.

The director is DJ Caruso (xXx: Return of Xander Cage), and the pic is produced by Mary Aloe, founder of Aloe Entertainment (Bruised), and Hannah Leader (Freud’s Last Session). Producing alongside were financiers Gillian Hormel (Bruised) of Ludascripts and Joshua Harris of PeachTree Media Partners (Not Without Hope).

Timothy Michael Hayes...

Countless films have been made around the premise of people making a decision that turns out to be wrong, which further triggers a chain reaction of events. But when the army, especially Israeli Defence Force (Idf) is involved, the usual Snafu (Situation Normal All F***ed Up) quickly goes to Fubar (F***ed Up Beyond All Repair). That would, in short, be the case with Dani Rosenberg's (of 2020 dramedy “The Death of Cinema and My Father Too” fame) “The Vanishing Soldier” that has just premiered at the main competition of Locarno.

The Vanishing Soldier is screening in Locarno Film Festival

Shlomi (Ido Tako) is an 18-year-old boy drafted in the army and stationed somewhere in the middle of combat zone. When the action comes too close for him, he uses his wits to lag behind and desert from the front line. Is it a conscious decision? An anti-war statement?...

“The Vanishing Soldier” is a coming of age story, as breathless as its protagonist: the kind of film that will make cinephiles of seventeen-year-olds. Which is one of the reasons that Dani Rosenberg, the film’s 43-year-old director, is delighted to be in Locarno, where the film, sold by Intramovies, is screening in main competition, and has just got a trailer, and poster, shared in exclusivity with Variety.

“We had options for other festivals,” Rosenberg told Variety at the Swiss fest.

“But Locarno is the best place because it’s a festival that admires films and not topics. We want the film to be first seen as cinema; not as an Israeli story about conflict.”

So what cinema inspired you?

“My first image when I was writing the script was Buster Keaton. I imagined the chases like slapstick chases, like “Cops,” from his era. And obviously, the ‘70s paranoia films,...

Italy’s Intramovies has acquired global rights outside of Israel and France on Israeli director Dani Rosenberg’s Gaza-Strip conflict drama “The Vanishing Soldier.”

“Vanishing Soldier” is Rosenberg’s second feature after “The Death of Cinema and My Father Too,” which was in the official selection in Cannes 202O and won the Jerusalem Film Festival’s top prize.

The film is about an 18-year-old Israeli soldier who flees the Gaza battlefield and heads back to his girlfriend in Tel Aviv only to discover that the military elite is convinced he was kidnapped in the fog of war. What ensues is a tragicomic journey and takes place over a period of 24 hours on the streets of Tel Aviv.

“Vanishing Soldier,” which stars Ido Tako, Mika Reiss, and Israeli singer Efrat Ben Tzur, is produced by Chilik Micheali, Avraham Pirchi, Itamar Pirchi for United Channels Movies (Ucm). The film has been financed by The Israel Film Fund.