Martin Scorsese’s New Docuseries Honors St. Joan of Arc with Fidelity and Depth

Martin Scorsese‘s latest docuseries, which premiered on November 17, his 82nd birthday, opens with a powerful and faithful portrayal of St. Joan of Arc. The first episode of the eight-part series, directed by Elizabeth Chomko and written by Kent Jones, delves into the life and trials of the French saint who played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War against the English..

The episode stars Liah O’Prey as St. Joan of Arc, capturing her determination and faith as she follows the voices and visions of saints to liberate Orléans and lead Charles VII of France to the throne. The portrayal is notable for its historical accuracy and lack of modern spin, drawing heavily from detailed transcripts of her trials. O’Prey’s performance avoids contemporary tropes, instead focusing on Joan’s unwavering commitment to God’s will and her humility in the face of immense adversity.

The visual style of the episode is gritty yet respectful, depicting Joan’s visions and her physical and emotional suffering without sensationalism. One of the most moving scenes shows Joan praying the Paternoster over a dying English soldier, highlighting her compassion and faith. The episode also explores the betrayal and suffering Joan endured at the hands of the Burgundian-English ecclesiastical tribunal, including the humiliating and abusive examinations to verify her virginity.

Scorsese, who serves as the executive producer, host, and narrator of the series, expresses his deep admiration for St. Joan of Arc’s unshakable faith. This project is a culmination of his long-standing fascination with the lives of saints, a theme he has wanted to explore for over four decades. Scorsese’s personal connection to Catholicism and his childhood curiosity about the saints are evident in the meticulous and respectful way the series is crafted.

The docuseries, released in two parts by Fox Nation, will feature other saints such as St. John the Baptist, St. Sebastian, and St. Francis of Assisi, among others. The first four episodes are currently airing weekly, with the remaining episodes set to be released in spring 2025.