The most emotionally violent scene in “Mary Magdalene,” an imperfect but affecting vision of New Testament times, depicts not a crucifixion but an exorcism — or rather, a failed attempt at one.

EXCLUSIVE: Chiwetel Ejiofor is in talks to board the cast of Garth Davis’ Mary Magadalene, opposite Rooney Mara in the lead role and Joaquin Phoenix as Jesus Christ. Ejiofor will play Peter, one ...