We’re big fans of a musical theatre film adaptation here at Overstudies, but there’s always some trepidation when it’s one of your favourite stage musicals that’s in the spotlight. The RSC’s critically-acclaimed Matilda the Musical has become the latest to receive the silver screen treatment, with Alisha Weir taking the titular role alongside Emma Thompson as the dastardly Miss Trunchbull and Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey.
Directed by Matthew Warchus, who also directed the 2008 stage production, the film is a refreshing take on Roald Dahl’s classic tale, staying true to the original source material as well as featuring the most recognisable songs from the stage. Tim Minchin (songs and lyrics) and Dennis Kelly (screenplay) have also returned to work on the movie.
The result is a delightfully enjoyable production, with all of the emotional highs and lows that you’d expect from the tale. The film has a retro-inspired style as has become popular in recent years, with old and new styles gelling together to create a timeless end piece. Many of the stage production’s most poignant and beautiful moments have translated well onto the screen, whilst a subtle tweaking of some of the songs to better fit the medium come together to create a solid take that won’t disappoint fans of the stage show.
I particularly enjoyed the visualisation of Matilda’s stories, as told to the librarian Mrs Phelps (Sindhu Vee), which add an additional dimension whilst retaining some of the magic of how these are displayed on stage. This continues too through some of the most memorable songs from the film, such as Bruce, When I Grow Up and Quiet, which are beautifully translated for a new medium whilst retaining – especially in the case of When I Grow Up – the magic of the stage show. It will be no surprise to regular Overstudies followers to know that I cried through much of the second act of the film.
The decision to cast Emma Thompson in the role of Miss Trunchbull is particularly inspired; traditionally cross-cast on stage, it’s doubtful that this would have translated well onto the screen. Thompson’s characterisation is superb – Trunchbull is as terrifying yet unhinged as you’d expect for someone who so gleefully refers to children as ‘maggots’. Alisha Weir is also outstanding, with an assured take on Matilda who would dare anyone to take her on.
Equally fantastic is comedic duo Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Matilda’s parents, the Wormwoods, who remain just the right side of completely farcical to still seem believable. There’s a particularly touching moment towards the end of the film (no spoilers!) that I hadn’t necessarily noticed in the stage show, but helps to ground the characters and add realism to the emotions and the actions taken by the Wormwoods.
But, for me, it is Lashana Lynch’s Miss Honey which perhaps stands out the most – a delicate, caring yet slightly rebellious interpretation of the role. Lynch’s vocals in particular are sublime, whilst you really warm to Miss Honey as a teacher and understand the bond and the care that she has for her classroom, despite the much larger and problematic situation created at Trunchbull’s school.
A stellar ensemble of children and the odd household name (Matt Henry as the Doctor in Miracle is not to be missed!) round off a fantastic cast. As could be expected from the trailer, the large-scale numbers Naughty and Revolting Children really show off the breadth of talent on offer, assisted with clever and well-paced cinematography to show off the company in the best possible way. All of the cast are at the top of their game and contribute to making this film a deserving and fitting addition to what we’ve dubbed The Matildaverse. Now, where’s our red beret…?
Matilda the Musical is showing at cinemas now, with a UK general release on Netflix planned for 25 December.
