What is Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical about?

Mark your calendars because Netflix is giving us quite the Christmas gift. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, the latest adaptation of the 1988 Roald Dahl novel, Matilda, is set to hit the platform on Dec. 25, and you won’t want to miss it! Since its limited theatrical release on Dec. 9, the film has earned an impressive 91 percent from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a 100 among audiences.

This is the second film iteration, with the first, Matilda (1996), making its way to theaters eight years after the book’s release. Mara Wilson played the lead role, with other cast members including Danny DeVito, Pam Ferris, Rhea Perlman, and Embeth Davidtz.

The musical version, Matilda the Musical, made its first debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Courtyard Theatre in London, England, in November 2010, becoming a huge success, and winning several awards. Screenwriter Dennis Kelly and director Matthew Warchus return for the movie adaptation, bringing the musical from the stage to the big screen. Producers of the project include Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly, with lyrics and music from Tim Minchin.

Casting for this magical musical includes: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, and Sindhu Vee, to name a few.

What is Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical about?

Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is an intelligent young girl. She spends her time reading books and, above all else, is quite the dreamer. On the other hand, her parents, Mr. Wormwood (Stephen Graham) and Mrs. Wormwood (Andrea Riseborough), differ significantly from their daughter, making money through questionable means and watching trashy television shows at home. Matilda’s parents treat her poorly, and much to their dismay, she retaliates by playing pranks on them.

After Matilda is enrolled at her new school, Crunchem Hall, she can’t wait to attend her classes and embrace her passion for learning. However, her excitement quickly fades after encountering the ferocious headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson), who loves to intimidate her students and embed fear in those around her.

All is not lost as Matilda makes some loyal friends and is introduced to Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), a sweet-natured teacher who sees Matilda’s academic potential, all while encouraging her creative side. The school librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee), also makes the days more tolerable. The positive influences surrounding Matilda inspire her to take revenge on Miss Trunchbull, teaching the menacing figure a valuable lesson, all while exploring her newfound powers.

Check out the trailer for Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical below:

Are you excited about the release of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, and will you be watching it? The film will hit the streamer on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, at 12:00 a.m. PT/3:00 a.m. ET.