Maleficent Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Fairy gets wings stolen, throws a fit at a baby shower, then becomes an overprotective mom who is also a dragon sometimes.

🍿 Maleficent: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Moors and Maleficent’s Childhood

Maleficent begins with a look at the Moors, a magical realm bordering a human kingdom. We are introduced to young Maleficent, a powerful fairy with large wings, who protects the Moors. She meets Stefan, a human boy, and they form a close friendship despite the tensions between their worlds.

Betrayal and the Loss of Wings

As they grow older, Stefan’s ambition drives him to betray Maleficent. In order to gain favor with the king, Stefan steals Maleficent’s wings, a deeply traumatic act that transforms her heart. This betrayal sets the stage for Maleficent’s vengeful actions.

The Curse on Aurora

Consumed by anger, Maleficent curses the newborn Princess Aurora, Stefan’s daughter, declaring that on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an eternal sleep. This act is motivated by Maleficent’s desire to inflict pain on Stefan for his betrayal.

Watching Over Aurora

Despite the curse, Maleficent finds herself watching over Aurora as she grows up in the care of three inept fairies. Over time, an unexpected bond forms between Maleficent and Aurora, leading Maleficent to question her own vengeful actions. This relationship begins to soften Maleficent’s hardened heart.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maleficent (Angelina Jolie): A powerful fairy who seeks revenge after being betrayed, only to find redemption through her bond with Aurora.
• Aurora (Elle Fanning): The princess cursed by Maleficent who ultimately bridges the gap between humans and the Moors.
• Stefan (Sharlto Copley): Maleficent’s childhood friend turned power-hungry king whose betrayal sets the story in motion.
• Diaval (Sam Riley): Maleficent’s loyal raven and confidant who shapeshifts into various forms to serve her.
• Flittle (Lesley Manville): One of the three pixies tasked with caring for Aurora, often displaying incompetence and providing comic relief.
• Knotgrass (Imelda Staunton): One of the three pixies tasked with caring for Aurora, often displaying incompetence and providing comic relief.
• Thistlewit (Juno Temple): One of the three pixies tasked with caring for Aurora, often displaying incompetence and providing comic relief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maleficent: “I will not ask your forgiveness because what I have done to you is unforgivable.” – Maleficent says this to Aurora before kissing her, acknowledging the pain she has caused.
• Maleficent: “There is no true love.” – Maleficent’s initial cynical belief about love, before her feelings for Aurora develop.
• Aurora: “I know you. I walked with you once upon a dream.” – Aurora recognizes Maleficent, hinting at their intertwined destiny and connection.
• Maleficent: “It’s curious, isn’t it, how easily the best of human virtues can be transmuted into the worst and how, sometimes, a thing meant for destruction can actually create what it was meant to destroy in the first place?” – Maleficent reflecting on Stefan’s and her behavior.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $180,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $241,410,378
• Worldwide Gross: $759,853,685

💥 Maleficent Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I admit it, I went in expecting another Disney cash-grab, but I was pleasantly surprised! Angelina Jolie *is* Maleficent! From the imposing horns to the subtle shifts in expression, she nailed it. The visual design was stunning, especially the Moors. While the plot has some predictable moments, the emotional core of Maleficent’s relationship with Aurora really resonated with me. It definitely made me question the idea of good and evil.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of fairy tale retellings”
  • “Angelina Jolie fans”
  • “Viewers interested in strong female characters”
  • “Those who enjoy fantasy and adventure films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Dark fantasy themes”
  • “Violence and battle scenes”
  • “Betrayal and emotional trauma”
  • “Some scary imagery for young children”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Angelina Jolie embodies Maleficent with a captivating presence, but the film’s script struggles to fully explore the character’s complexity. The visuals are stunning, though the plot often feels predictable, ultimately delivering an entertaining but not groundbreaking re-imagining of the classic fairy tale. Despite the flaws, Jolie’s performance makes it worth watching.
• Empire: “Maleficent offers a visually rich and emotionally engaging twist on Sleeping Beauty, with Angelina Jolie delivering a powerhouse performance as the misunderstood fairy. While some may find the shift in perspective jarring, the film succeeds in creating a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of good and evil.
• Variety: “A worthwhile reimagining of a classic fairy tale, with Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent as the magnetic center. The movie’s stunning visuals and revisionist storytelling offer a fresh perspective on a familiar story, even if the plot occasionally simplifies the nuances of its characters. Worth seeing for the visual spectacle.

Audience Reactions

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maleficent was captivating and complex.: Viewers praised the stunning visual effects and unique take on the classic fairy tale.

The film offered a fresh perspective on the traditional good-versus-evil narrative.: Many appreciated the exploration of Maleficent’s motivations and the moral ambiguity presented.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and emotionally engaging re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty, with Angelina Jolie’s performance as Maleficent being a standout. While the plot can be predictable at times, the film offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the classic fairy tale.

Awards

1. Kids’ Choice Awards (Favorite Villain)- 2015
2. People’s Choice Awards (Favorite Movie Actress)- 2015

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Angelina Jolie admitted that she scared little kids while in costume on the set. Her daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, who played young Aurora, was the only child who was not scared of her.”
• “The usual Disney castle in the opening credits is replaced by the castle used in the movie.”
• “Lana Del Rey performed ‘Once Upon a Dream’ for the film’s soundtrack, giving the classic song a haunting and ethereal twist.”

🖥️ How to Watch Maleficent?

Maleficent is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Maleficent, you might like these similar films:

• Wicked (2024): A direct comparison, as both films explore the misunderstood motivations of a well-known ‘villain’ from a classic story.
• Snow White and the Huntsman (2012): Features a dark fantasy setting and revisits a classic fairy tale with a focus on strong female characters and action.
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Offers a dark and fantastical exploration of good and evil, set against a backdrop of political turmoil and a child’s imagination.
• The Lion King (2019): Explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption, similar to Maleficent’s journey from villain to protector.

🛒 Maleficent Related Products

• Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (Blu-ray): Own the adventure and explore Maleficent’s past. Includes behind-the-scenes extras.
• Funko Pop! Disney: Maleficent with Flames: A detailed and adorable vinyl figure of Maleficent surrounded by green flames, capturing her iconic look.
• Disney Maleficent Movie T-Shirt: Officially licensed merchandise, high quality, comfortable fit featuring Maleficent.
• Maleficent Dragon Plush Toy: Soft and huggable plush toy of Maleficent in her Dragon Form.

🎧 Soundtrack

Maleficent features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Once Upon a Dream” – performed by Lana Del Rey
• “Maleficent Suite” – performed by James Newton Howard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything Wrong With Maleficent In 13 Minutes Or Less

Ever wondered what’s really wrong with Maleficent? This video breaks down the plot holes and inconsistencies, making you appreciate the movie even more. It’s like a fun game of spot-the-flaws!

The Lie We Were Told About Maleficent’s True Role! || freakoes

Prepare to have your mind blown! This video reveals the hidden truth about Maleficent’s role in Sleeping Beauty. Get ready to see the movie in a whole new light!

Maleficent – Nostalgia Critic

Looking for a fun and insightful review of Maleficent? The Nostalgia Critic delivers a hilarious critique, dissecting the movie’s plot, characters, and overall impact. Get ready to laugh and learn with this entertaining video!

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