Opened: November 25, 2022

Directed by: Matthew Warchus

Starring: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Sindhu Vee, Carl Spencer, Lauren Alexandra, Winter Jarrett-Glasspool, Andrei Shen, Ashton Robertson, Meesha Garbett, Charlie Hodson-Prior, Rei Yamauchi Fulker, Katherine Kingsley, Amber Adeyinka & Matt Henry

With a stunning breakout performance by newcomer Alisha Weir, Matilda the Musical sticks true to its source material and is easily one of the best stage-to-film adaptations in recent years.

Often left on her own by her neglectful parents (Stephen Graham & Andrea Riseborough), Matilda Wormwood (Weir) becomes quite bright at a young age. When she begins school at Crunchem Hall, she encounters the abusive headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson) but finds solace in the sweet Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch).

Though there are some differences between the stage musical and the film, every cut or addition seems to make sense. The film is filled with bright colors and spectacle that’ll keep you entranced every moment. And Ellen Kane’s choreography with its many stellar young cast members steals the show.

Final say: A miracle. ★★★★★