A visually stunning, surprisingly political take on fairytale themes, 'Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil' will have something for all audiences, except young children.
Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent is back, and she is very skeptical of romantic love (audiences will immediately recall Jolie’s recent divorce when the Mistress of Evil delivers some lines on love – they almost feel like a tabloid-inspired inside joke). Her God-daughter, Aurora – this is unlikely to be a spoiler – is getting married to a handsome prince and Maleficent is not happy. This sets the stage for a union, not only between the two love birds but between their two kingdoms, one magical, one human. It does not go well.
This story of two different peoples being brought together, and the xenophobia and violence this can inspire, is unlikely to be suitable for young children.
There are some scenes that recall the gas chambers of Auschwitz, and genocide in general is a consistent theme. The motives behind these actions, and the fear underlying them, was very believably done, and quite apt for current political times. Indeed, the whole film felt quite political, and considering Jolie is a very prominent ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, perhaps intentionally so.
The performances were outstanding. Jolie was arch and as understated as someone with giant crows wings and horns can allow one to be, and was simply perfect in her role. Elle Fanning as Aurora and Harris Dickinson as the prince were exactly as they needed to be for their roles as the perfect, golden fiancées. But Michelle Pfeiffer stole the entire show.
Her Queen Ingrith was cold, calculating, tightly wound, and entirely convinced that her world view was right. The costume design team responsible for Ingrith’s wardrobe should be showered with awards. The only casting drawback was that Chiwetel Ejiofor was somewhat underused, it would have been great to see him get more screen time.
'Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil' will undoubtedly be a box office smash, and deservedly so. The film creates a world of its own, both completely different to ours with its magical creatures and fairytale queens, and sadly similar with its penchant to destroy those who are different.
