Year: 2019
Runtime: 84 min
Language: English
Director: Michael Goi
David Oldman, a struggling working-class man, buys a rundown ship hoping to provide a more comfortable life for his family. Their journey quickly turns into a terrifying ordeal as the ship becomes a pressure cooker of fear, pushing them to their emotional limits and straining their familial bonds. The experience forces them to confront their deepest anxieties and question their ability to survive.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Mary yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Mary (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the year 1561, the young and determined Mary Stuart, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, returns to Scotland after her husband, Francis II of France, has passed away. At just nineteen, she finds herself stepping back into a country now under Protestant rule. Her half-brother, the Earl of Moray, played by James McArdle, serves as the regent, welcoming her back to a land filled with political intrigue and danger. Having been sent to France as a child to escape death, Mary must now reclaim her throne amidst a kingdom rife with turmoil.
Across the border in England, her cousin Elizabeth, portrayed by Margot Robbie, reigns as the Protestant Queen of England. At twenty-eight, Elizabeth faces pressure from her advisors, who caution her about Mary’s claim to the English throne. The tension between the two cousins builds as Elizabeth’s counsel insists that Mary should submit to her authority rather than Rome, contemplating a marriage that could secure Elizabeth’s power.
Conflicts arise when Mary confronts the Protestant cleric John Knox, played by David Tennant, who views her as a threat to the Protestant cause. In a strategic move to counter Mary’s potential influence, Elizabeth proposes to marry Mary to an Englishman, suggesting Robert Dudley (portrayed by Joe Alwyn), whom she secretly loves. Though both Mary and Dudley resist the idea of marriage, a bout of smallpox afflicting Elizabeth sways Mary to accept the proposition—on the condition that she is recognized as Elizabeth’s heir.
In a twist of fate, Elizabeth sends Lord Darnley (played by Jack Lowden), a Catholic, to Scotland under the pretense of escaping religious oppression. Mary, wary at first, soon warms to Darnley and agrees to marry him. However, their union ignites a constitutional crisis, unsettling both England and Scotland. Elizabeth’s court voices opposition while Mary’s council eye Darnley with suspicion, fearing he may elevate her claim to the throne. As tensions escalate, Darnley’s actions lead to a series of betrayals and turmoil.
Upon marrying Darnley, Mary discovers him in a scandalous situation with her friend David Rizzio (Ismael Cruz Córdova). With both treachery and rebellion mounting, Mary must navigate these complications, demanding Darnley provide her with a child—a child deemed the “heir to Scotland and England,” stirring unrest among the English nobility.
As Moray conspires against her with Darnley’s father, Marquess Matthew Stewart, rumors of Mary’s infidelity circulate, fueled by Knox’s fervent speeches. In a desperate turn of events, Darnley, fearing exposure of his own secrets, turns on Rizzio, whom Mary must confront. After a series of betrayals and a refusal to divorce Darnley, Mary faces mounting demands for her to abdicate the throne.
After Darnley’s death, orchestrated by forces seeking to marry Mary to the ambitious Earl of Bothwell (played by Martin Compston), she is forced into a corner. The fallout leads to further public outrage, pushing Mary towards abdication and resulting in her fleeing to England in search of support.
Upon her arrival, Elizabeth cautiously meets with her cousin. Mary implores Elizabeth for assistance in reclaiming her throne, but Elizabeth finds herself torn between her obligations and sentiments. Ultimately, fearing for her own reign, Elizabeth imprisons Mary, gathering evidence against her, leading to the tragic decision to execute her in 1567.
As Mary walks to her fate, she expresses her love for her son James (played by Andrew Rothney) and hopes for a peaceful future. In a poignant moment, Elizabeth shows remorse for her decisions, realizing the depth of their shared history. The story concludes with James ascending as the monarch of both Scotland and England, marking a significant shift in the history of both nations.
Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04
Still wondering what the ending of Mary (2019) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
The film concludes with Mary and Joseph returning to Nazareth, where they bring the baby Jesus to the Temple, a scene that emphasizes hope and spiritual fulfillment. Throughout the story, Mary faces numerous challenges, including Herod’s brutal order to kill all male infants under two, which forces her family to flee to Egypt for safety. Herod’s paranoia and cruelty symbolize his fear of losing power, as he desperately tries to eliminate the prophesied messiah in order to maintain his reign. This dark act causes widespread suffering and results in Bethlehem’s uprising against Herod, ultimately leading to his loss of support and authority.
In the movie, Mary’s relationship with Joseph is portrayed as tender and modern, emphasizing her humanity and innocence. Gabriel appears multiple times, serving as a divine messenger who guides and tests Mary’s faith, especially during her encounters with Satan, who tries to deceive her. The angel’s presence highlights her divine connection, but also her human struggles, making her a relatable figure.
While the film takes some creative liberties—adding dramatized scenes of Satan and Gabriel battling for her attention, and adjusting the love story to make it more appealing—the core message remains about Mary’s faith, resilience, and human vulnerability. The film’s ending suggests that Mary’s life continued well beyond Jesus’ childhood, living on in faith and family in Nazareth, as biblical stories and tradition imply, with her story inspiring audiences to see her as more than a divine figure but as a young woman facing life’s trials. Ultimately, the story invites viewers to connect with Mary’s journey of survival and faith, emphasizing that her story is accessible and relevant for everyone today.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00
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Track the full timeline of Mary with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
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