What’s not to love about Roald Dahl‘s “Matilda“? The 1998 children’s novel follows a precocious young girl who discovers she has superpowers and uses them to take charge of her destiny against the likes of her rotten headmaster, Miss Trunchbull. Movie fans of a certain generation will remember the 1996 film, but the book also became an award-winning musical in 2010. Now, Netflix has their version of that musical set to premiere this holiday season.
Fresh off its world premiere at the London Film Festival, “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” hits the streamer on Christmas Day. And Netflix subscribers may want to mark their calendars: the film opened in London to rave reviews, with the film currently holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis, courtesy of Netflix:
The story centers around Matilda Wormwood, a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination — and the worst parents in the world. While they keep themselves content with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, Matilda loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they’re loud, selfish and unkind she’s a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge. After meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey, Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend Crunchem Hall, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the towering and villainous Miss Trunchbull.
“Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” stars Alisha Weir as Matilda, Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull, and Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey. Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough star as Matilda’s parents. Sindhu Vee rounds out the main cast as Mrs. Phelps.
Matthew Warchus directs the film with a script that adapts the Tony and Olivier award-winning play by Dennis Kelly. Tim Minchin writes original music and lyrics for the film. The film’s producers include Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company.
Ready to see Emma Thompson take on the nasty role of Miss Trunchbull? “Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical” hits Netflix on December 25, and a limited theatrical release of the film starts on December 9. Watch the new trailer for the film below.