Parents' Guide to

Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical

By Danny Brogan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Musical adaptation has positive messages, some scares.

Movie PG 2022 117 minutes
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical Movie Poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • 1:09
  • Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical: Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood
  • Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical: Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull
  • Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical: Lashana Lynch and Alisha Weir

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 38 parent reviews

Christian B.
Christian B. Parent of 7-year-old
February 7, 2023
age 11+

Redemption for a character doesn’t redeem this as a kids movie.

I agree with reviewers that think the portrayal of heinous, illegal cruelty towards children is irredeemable for kids under 10, especially sensitive ones. And vindictiveness towards aggressors from a child is not healthy boundary setting with bullies, it’s borderline psychopathic and depicts violent tendencies. This is the kind of childhood that produces dangerous adults, it’s honestly got no business being made available to children who are unaware adults have the capacity for that level of vitriol to kids. I fully understand some unfortunate children have to deal with bullying, some of which comes from adults. But this introduced a level of cruelty I don’t believe my 7 yo needs to be aware of. Being naive to the horrors of real life is what makes childhood magical.
MAmom
MAmom Parent of 13-year-old
January 3, 2023
age 10+

Mean and angry adults get their comeuppance, but it's not cute

The overwhelming theme is that of purposefully cruel adults (Matilda's parents and the head of the school) tormenting children...in the original film these adults were more bumbling meanies; in this one, rather shockingly angry and hateful and it never lets up. It was a bit off-putting even when you know the plot from previous versions. Some catchy musical numbers save it from being unrelentingly depressing, but this is not a feel-good movie. Tread with caution with more sensitive viewers.
See all 38 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL tells the story of a brilliant little girl who loves to read and tell stories. Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) spends most of her time losing herself in books and trying to stay out of the way of her ghastly parents. When she's given the chance to attend school for the first time, her excitement is diminished when she discovers it's run by an evil headmistress called Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson). But Matilda is an extraordinary girl, unlike any Miss Trunchbull has ever met.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (38 ):
Kids say (43 ):

Adapted from a hit stage musical of the popular kids' book, this magical movie had some excellent source material to work from. Nevertheless, after a successful run on Broadway, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical's transition to big screen is seamless and deserves all the plaudits. Dahl's tale about a girl with extraordinary gifts who uses them to stand up to bullies and defend her friends is timeless. As with most of Dahl's kids stories, a dark undercurrent runs through it -- like Harry Potter, Matilda comes from an unloving and abusive home. But it's never fully allowed to come to the surface. That's largely due to the film's playful humor, beautifully penned songs, and expertly choreographed dance routines.

Relative newcomer Weir navigates the lead role with ease and is ably supported by her fellow talented child actors. Elsewhere, Lashana Lynch gives a charming performance as Miss Honey, one of the few caring adults in Matilda's life. Yet it's Thompson as the cruel Miss Trunchbull who steals the show. Almost unrecognizable, Thompson provides most of the film's laugh-out-loud moments, despite her character being a truly terrible human being. Charming, joyful, and with a big dose of good triumphing over evil, the film gives even viewers who aren't usually fans of musicals much to enjoy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the central character in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. What character strengths did Matilda show? Why are these such important traits to have? Would you describe her as a positive role model? Why, or why not?

  • Discuss some of the fantasy violence. Did it feel appropriate for a movie like this? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • Talk about Miss Trunchbull. Did you find her scary? Was she too scary for a movie like this? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?

  • Have you read the original book the film was based on? How did this compare? What did you think of the music and dancing? What did it add to the story?

Movie Details

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