This review was made possible due to attending a Press and Industry Screening of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical streams on Netflix from Christmas Day.
A brand new take on the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl, with a vivid imagination, who dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results..
This is an absolute triumph of a musical movie. I can’t even begin to describe how energetic, emotional and fantastic this film is. I think it’s fair to say that Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is the feel-good musical that 2022 has been missing. It’s got great music, important messages and a wonderful ensemble of actors, led by Alisha Weir’s Matilda.
To Change The World, It Takes A Little Genius
Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination – and the worst parents in the world. While her parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they are loud, selfish and unkind she is a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge.
Alisha Weir is an absolute star, and is wonderful as Matilda. It is absolutely mesmerising how such a young actor can give such a mature performance. Weir makes the role her own and thrives onscreen. Thought to be a bratty, chaos-causer by her parents, Matilda is actually a kind, clever and brave young girl who also loves reading books.
There is a brilliant scene where Matilda first meets with her new classmates and they are bewildered to discover which books she has read in that week alone, really funny stuff. A small shout out to the smaller ensemble of Matilda’s friends who accompany on her journey – Lavender, Bruce, Eric, Nigel and Amanda – all icons in their own way.
Matilda finds her voice and consistently stands up for what she believes in throughout the film, also going up against Trunchbull and I think it is really inspiring seeing it, and I think it’s the sort of things younger audiences will catch on too. The idea of standing up to injustice is incredibly important, and I think this film sums it up perfectly – even if it involves causing absolute carnage against a crazy headmistress…
On the topic of “really funny stuff”, Matilda the Musical thrives with it’s comedy, with plenty of jokes for all ages. Whether it be a burp, fart, or more adult joke which will certainly go over the heads of younger audiences – there is something for everyone to laugh at.
Lashana Lynch is perfect as Miss Honey – case closed. Lynch gives such a powerful and truly emotional performance as the lovable teacher, I was almost in tears at one point. From her on-screen chemistry with Alisha Weir, to her clashing with Emma Thompson’s Trunchball – Lynch has incredible range. Which was already clear from her recent roles including No Time To Die and more recently receiving praise for her role in The Woman King.
Where do I start when it comes to Emma Thompson and her portrayal of Trunchbull? Absolutely scene-stealing! I haven’t seen someone with such a threatening presence on stage in so long, it is a wicked performance for sure, and her singing is also very impressive. I genuinely think her performance is the best in the whole film – it’s great seeing her playing a villain, something she did wonderfully in Cruella last year.
Sometimes You Have To Be A Little Bit Naughty.
I think I could go on for hours and hours when praising Tim Minchin for his composing. I have admired the guy ever since he performed as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, the guy is a legend!
I’ve listened to the West End’s original soundtrack and look forward to listening to this film’s soundtrack. It has so many good songs, with some incredible performances. I’ve never actually seen the musical, but really want to – especially after watching this.
I am a huge musicals fan, if it wasn’t clear already. I don’t know how to describe this excitement but Matilda truly captures it, and it is a credit to the cast how wonderful their performance is. Everything from the choreography, to the vocal performances, even some of the sets – it is all done to such a great standard, and makes for such an electrifying production.
Obviously your staple Matilda anthems including “Revolting Chidren”, “When I Grow Up” and “Naughty”, all translate well onto the big screen, even if some of it may seem almost silly, and childish at times – but is that not the point of the show in the first place?
There is nothing more entertaining than seeing nearly 200 school kids absolutely wreck havoc on school grounds whilst performing an absolute bop. I almost wanted to get up out of my seat and join in because of how much fun I was having!
The film has many looks and themes throughout, and whilst widely different from one another, the whole look of the film feels right. One minute you’re gazing at a huge, wonderful carnival tent filled with colour and light, and the next minute you’re looking at the miserable halls of Crunchem Hall. The Wormwoods house was another favourite thing to look at, because of how awful it looked! Speaking of them…
The Wormwoods
We first meet Mr and Mrs Wormwood (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) during the first few moments of the film, and instantly Stephen Graham is painfully hilarious as the short-witted, stubborn and fraudulent father to Matilda – he makes the character his own. I think Graham’s casting was the one of out the film’s ensemble that got me excited the most, I truly think of him as a national treasure – a brilliant actor.
A good chunk of the Wormwood’s story has been left out when compared to the stage version, and I think it is justified to more focus on Matilda and her school life. With a lengthy runtime already, I feel the right decision has been made here.
Another notable absence is Michael Wormwood, Matilda’s older brother which was a surprising choice, Instead, the Wormwoods only ever had a child, and unfortunately for them it was Matilda. We were robbed of a performance of “Telly”, I’m afraid, which sadly didn’t make it’s way into the film…
Unwarranted Comparisons
People will be quick to downplay this new adaptation, and I think people already have. But I think it is so important to realise that the music is already different from Danny DeVito’s 1996 film. Fans of the film should welcome the new adaptation with open arms and I think it is really important to understand that both films can exist at the same time as each other – both are just as good as each other.
I do, however, look forward to seeing the Twitter discourse upon the musical’s arrival on the streaming service.
‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical‘ – Final Thoughts
I truly think Netflix have a winner on their hands with Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Matthew Warchus has perfectly translated the hit West End show into a high-energy, joyous and exhilarating film. Not to mention Tim Minchin’s music! Stephen Graham and Emma Thompson’s performances are easily some of the highlights out of a superb ensemble cast. Brilliant film – I cannot wait to rewatch it once again.
Check out the trailer for Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical below:
