Movie Review: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

Article contributed by Victoria Hock

Director: Matthew Warchus
Writer: Dennis Kelly
Cast: Alisha Weir, Lashana Lynch, Andrea Riseborough, Stephen Graham, Emma Thompson

The story of Matilda Wormwood has seen quite a few iterations. First as a book by Roald Dahl released in 1988, a movie was eventually released in 1996 starring Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman. The story has also seen a musical adaptation that first began performances in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, followed by a West End transfer in 2011, with several other productions having occurred worldwide since then.

Now, the story has been adapted again, into another movie, this time based on the musical. Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a bright young girl, unfortunately with neglectful parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough). After forgetting to sign her up for school, Matilda’s parents send her to Crunchem Hall, a school run by Miss Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson), an evil headmistress.

However, inside the school, there is a glimmer of kindness in Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), one of the only adults who understands that Matilda is smart beyond her years, and therefore attempts unsuccessfully to advocate to Miss Trunchbull for her to be placed in a higher grade level. Other glimpses of kindness come from Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee), a traveling librarian who we meet at the beginning of the film, when Matilda is reading at her library past closing time.

The film also boasts a robust children’s ensemble, who portray Matilda’s fellow students at Crunchem Hall, from students in Matilda’s class, to Prefects in “School Song”, to roles in the first song discussing the birth of Matilda, “Miracle”.

If you’re familiar with any iterations of Matilda’s story, a lot in this movie will likely seem familiar. However, the film also has many unique aspects as well, that set it apart from the other iterations, so you likely won’t be bored while watching it.

One particularly unique aspect of this film is the casting. Each actor brings their all to their respective roles. As Matilda Wormwood, Weir exudes the confidence and determination needed for standing up to the evil adults she faces. Lynch brings an incredible level of depth to the role of Miss Honey. It is clear from the beginning of the film that there is more to her character than what initially meets the eye. Graham and Riseborough are able to balance moments of comedy with villainous moments quite well, something not often seen. Thompson creates a particularly imposing, fear-inducing Trunchbull, that I found too intense at times.

The kids ensemble is also incredibly well-cast. Their immense talent not only allows them to act and sing parts small and large alike well, but perform the wonderful choreography by Ellen Kane with ease.

The film also contains a new song, “Still Holding My Hand”. Songwriter Tim Minchin (who also wrote songs for the stage musical) has done a wonderful job creating a song that wraps up the film well. It chronicles the journeys both Matilda and Miss Honey went on, to eventually find their way to each other.

Overall, this film is very well done. While there are some particularly intense, dark scenes that potential viewers should be made aware of, those who are completely unfamiliar with Matilda’s story, and those who are familiar with every adaptation alike are still likely to find something in the film that they do enjoy.

What did you think of the musical to movie adaptation? Tell us in the comments below!