A Bold Reimagining of a Beloved Classic
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is more than just another adaptation—it’s a celebration of imagination, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. Based on Dahl’s 1988 novel Matilda, which has charmed generations of readers with its wit, heart, and defiant spirit, the musical version began as a stage show created by the Royal Shakespeare Company and later evolved into a feature film released on Netflix in 2022. This cinematic adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus and featuring a vibrant ensemble cast, reinvents the original tale for a new era without losing its essence. What makes this musical truly remarkable is how it balances whimsy and darkness, never underestimating its young audience’s intelligence or emotional depth.
While Dahl’s original book painted a world that was equal parts enchanting and menacing, the musical heightens this duality through dazzling choreography, clever lyrics by Tim Minchin, and dynamic visuals that leap off the screen. It doesn’t merely retell the story—it reinterprets it through music, dance, and theatrical flair. The result is a film that honors the spirit of the original while crafting something uniquely its own. From the first musical number to the last, Matilda the Musical exudes confidence, creativity, and courage.
A Heroine Unlike Any Other
At the heart of the story is Matilda Wormwood, a precocious young girl with a passion for reading and a fierce sense of justice. Born into a family that neither appreciates nor understands her, Matilda finds solace in books and stories. Her parents—played with comic exaggeration by Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough—are hilariously grotesque, caring more about television and money than their own daughter’s intellect. Matilda’s intelligence and independence make her a threat to the small-minded adults around her, yet she remains steadfast in her belief that she can change her story.
Alisha Weir plays Matilda with extraordinary nuance. She brings a quiet determination to the character that allows the audience to witness the tension between Matilda’s external bravery and internal loneliness. Her performance is at once grounded and magnetic. Unlike the more passive portrayals seen in some children’s films, Weir’s Matilda actively challenges injustice and takes control of her destiny. This strong character arc is underscored by powerful musical numbers like “Naughty,” which encourages children to question authority and take action when they see wrong.
Matilda’s telekinetic powers—used sparingly but effectively in the film—are symbolic rather than central. They represent her emotional and intellectual strength, the result of her pent-up frustration and limitless imagination. This approach keeps the focus on Matilda’s human qualities: her empathy, curiosity, and courage. She’s not a superhero; she’s a child determined to make her world better, one page, one prank, or one act of kindness at a time.
A World of Exaggeration and Emotion
From a visual standpoint, Matilda the Musical is a kaleidoscope of color and movement. The set designs, costuming, and lighting all work together to create a heightened reality that mirrors a child’s perspective. The Wormwood household is garishly tacky, Miss Trunchbull’s school is dark and imposing, and the classroom where Matilda finds solace is filled with warmth and light. This contrast reinforces the emotional stakes of the story: learning is liberation, and imagination is a safe haven.
One of the most striking features of the film is its choreography. Under the direction of Ellen Kane, the dance sequences are kinetic and expressive, often involving dozens of children moving in synchronized, theatrical patterns. These numbers are not just entertaining—they’re emotionally rich, designed to enhance the narrative. “Revolting Children,” one of the final ensemble pieces, is not just a song about rebellion. It is a declaration of agency from children who have found their voices and refuse to be silenced.
These visual and musical flourishes are never superficial. Every exaggerated prop or flamboyant costume serves a purpose. They evoke Dahl’s unique blend of the ridiculous and the profound. Just like his books, the film uses exaggeration to explore serious themes: the misuse of authority, the importance of education, and the right of every child to be heard and respected.
The Terror and Comedy of Miss Trunchbull
No adaptation of Matilda would be complete without the towering presence of Miss Trunchbull, the tyrannical headmistress who terrorizes children and delights in discipline. In this version, Emma Thompson delivers a performance that is both grotesque and deeply theatrical. Disguised under prosthetics and a gravelly voice, Thompson fully embodies the nightmare vision of adult cruelty, turning Trunchbull into a figure who is both absurd and chilling.
What sets this portrayal apart is its theatricality. Trunchbull is a former hammer-throwing Olympian who believes that toughness builds character. Her worldview is built around strength, submission, and fear. The musical embraces this with songs like “The Smell of Rebellion,” a hauntingly funny number that gives insight into her twisted psyche. The character becomes a satire of authoritarianism—a warning about what happens when power is unchecked and empathy is erased.
Yet, like many of Dahl’s villains, Trunchbull is not meant to be taken as a realistic figure. She is a caricature, an embodiment of every cruel adult who has ever used their authority to belittle a child. The musical uses her excess to sharpen its message: children deserve respect, and fear is not a substitute for discipline. By making Trunchbull both laughable and frightening, the film invites viewers to examine the systems that enable such figures to thrive—and to cheer when they fall.
A Teacher’s Quiet Heroism
Balancing the darkness of Trunchbull is the gentle light of Miss Honey, Matilda’s kind and soft-spoken teacher. Played by Lashana Lynch, Miss Honey provides the emotional grounding the film needs. She recognizes Matilda’s intelligence and defends her even when it puts her at risk. In a world where most adults are either cruel or indifferent, Miss Honey is a beacon of kindness.
Lynch’s performance is tender and restrained, offering a stark contrast to the larger-than-life characters around her. Her song “My House” is one of the most poignant moments in the film, revealing the pain and poverty she has endured without bitterness. Through her relationship with Matilda, she begins to rediscover her own strength and self-worth. Their bond is not just about education; it’s about mutual healing and the power of chosen family.
Miss Honey’s arc is just as important as Matilda’s. She begins the story passive and afraid, a woman who has been oppressed for so long that she no longer believes in her ability to resist. But Matilda’s courage inspires her to take a stand. By the end of the film, Miss Honey claims her inheritance and becomes the kind of adult every child needs: brave, loving, and open-hearted.
A Soundtrack That Sparks Emotion
Tim Minchin’s music is central to the success of Matilda the Musical. His lyrics are clever, playful, and deeply emotional. Songs like “When I Grow Up” tap into the universal longing of childhood—the wish to be taken seriously, to escape the rules, and to find freedom in adulthood. Yet the song is tinged with irony, acknowledging that growing up comes with its own limitations and heartaches.
Each song in the film serves a narrative purpose. They’re not simply inserted for entertainment; they move the story forward, develop characters, and add emotional weight. Even seemingly lighthearted numbers like “School Song” contain layers of meaning. Structured around the alphabet, it reveals the oppressive nature of Trunchbull’s school, while showcasing the children’s cleverness and spirit.
The soundtrack is also emotionally versatile. It swings from joy to sorrow, from rage to triumph, without ever losing coherence. It captures the chaos and brilliance of childhood—the way emotions can shift in an instant, and how imagination can make even the darkest moment bearable. This musicality is what elevates the film from a simple adaptation to a work of art in its own right.
A Modern Take on Timeless Themes
While Matilda the Musical remains true to its source, it also feels remarkably modern. It speaks to issues of emotional neglect, toxic authority, and the importance of storytelling in shaping identity. In today’s world, where children are often dismissed or underestimated, the film’s message lands with particular force. It reminds audiences that children are not merely “adults-in-training” but full individuals with thoughts, feelings, and agency.
The film also subtly addresses themes of diversity and inclusion. The cast is racially diverse, and the performances never rely on stereotypes. This representation feels organic rather than forced, helping the film resonate with a broader audience. It doesn’t preach; it simply reflects a world where every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own story.
Moreover, the film highlights the enduring relevance of Dahl’s themes. Though the author’s legacy is sometimes controversial, the core of Matilda—its defiance against cruelty, its celebration of intelligence, and its belief in kindness—remains powerful. The musical adaptation reframes these ideas for a new generation, ensuring that the story continues to inspire and empower.
A Film That Celebrates the Power of Stories
Perhaps the greatest strength of Matilda the Musical is its understanding of storytelling itself. Matilda doesn’t just read stories—she tells them. Her narrative about the escapologist and the acrobat serves as a metaphor for her own life, blending fantasy and reality in a way that helps her make sense of the world. Through storytelling, Matilda processes her pain, imagines a better future, and ultimately shapes her own destiny.
This meta-narrative is beautifully handled in the film. It demonstrates how stories can be a form of resistance, a tool for healing, and a bridge between people. Matilda’s ability to tell stories becomes her superpower, more meaningful than her telekinesis. In a world that seeks to silence her, she uses words as a weapon of kindness and a declaration of her worth.
In this way, the film becomes a story about stories—how they comfort us, challenge us, and change us. It’s a tribute to every child who has found refuge in books, and to every adult who remembers what it felt like to be powerless and misunderstood. Matilda the Musical is not just a film for children; it’s for anyone who has ever needed to believe that they could rewrite their own ending.
Conclusion
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is a triumph of adaptation. It captures the heart of the original novel while expanding its reach through music, performance, and cinematic vision. With standout performances, unforgettable songs, and a message that resonates across generations, the film is a testament to the enduring power of children’s stories—and to the brilliance of children themselves.
It is a film that dares to tell kids that their feelings matter, that their voices count, and that being “naughty” sometimes means being brave enough to stand up for what’s right. In doing so, it offers more than just entertainment. It offers hope, empowerment, and a joyful reminder that, with enough imagination and courage, anyone can change their story.
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