Matilda

Matilda Wormwood is a bright, inquisitive child who feels out of place in the home that dismisses her gifts. Her neglectful parents fail to understand her true potential, arguing at every turn that she should be ordinary. When she starts school, she finds a compassionate teacher and a handful of loyal classmates, all of whom quietly resist the heartless regime of the school head, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda discovers she has a surprising talent that she can control with her mind, a talent she uses to cope with unfairness and to challenge the adult world that often underestimates her. The story follows her growing resolve as she learns to stand up for herself and her friends.

Directed by Danny DeVito, Matilda adapts Roald Dahl's book with a screenplay by Robin Swicord from a story by Nicholas Kazan. The film brings to life a mischievous world of clever children, mean grownups, and a school full of surprises. The score by David Newman underscores the whimsy and tension.

Over the years Matilda has become a touchstone for family fantasy, blending whimsy with sharp humor. Mara Wilson's portrayal and the vivid school sequences linger in memory, as does the film's fearless take on authority figures and the idea that intelligence and kindness can prevail.

Critics welcomed the movie for its warm tone, faithful adaptation and strong performances, while some noted it skews toward theatrical indulgence at times. The film emphasizes resilience, imagination, and the power of education to reshape a child's sense of self, while critiquing neglectful parenting and tyrannical authority, and offering a gentle critique of how adults measure success.

Box office data is not provided in the information above. The film was released in 1996 under the direction of Danny DeVito and adapted from Roald Dahl's book; it remains a popular family title without relying on blockbuster numbers.