---
title: "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil"
year: 2019
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/maleficent-mistress-of-evil"
fi1m_id: "maleficent-mistress-of-evil"
imdb_id: "tt4777008"
tmdb_id: 420809
wikidata_id: "Q54437950"
fi1m_score: 46
critics_score: 47
critics_reviews: 24
published: "2026-10-05T15:08:44.941765+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T15:08:45.434731+00:00"
region: "FI"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

Directed by Joachim Rønning · 1h 59m · KAVI K-12 · Family, Fantasy, Adventure

## Identity

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/maleficent-mistress-of-evil
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** maleficent-mistress-of-evil
- **IMDb ID:** tt4777008
- **TMDB ID:** 420809
- **Wikidata ID:** Q54437950
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4777008/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/420809, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54437950

**Fi1m score: 46** · Critics 47 from 24 reviews

*In a sentence:* Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer could settle this themselves, if the computer-generated armies would give them a minute

> Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer make their hostility entertaining, but this crowded fantasy keeps finding less interesting things to do. The costumes and fairyland offer passing pleasures; the muddled story does not earn its scale.

## Synopsis

Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) faces a royal opponent in Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer), whose pursuit draws the winged figure into conflict. Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson) and King John (Robert Lindsay) also inhabit this fairy-tale world. The queen is surrounded by elaborate clothes, jewels and castle attendants; beyond the court lies a realm of fairies. Maleficent must resist Ingrith’s hostility as their personal confrontation becomes part of a wider struggle between royal and magical powers. The two women have little inclination to accommodate each other, and their dispute reaches beyond the castle.

## Review

*Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* has two actors worth watching and an unfortunate determination to keep us looking elsewhere. Joachim Rønning’s fantasy gives Angelina Jolie a formidable adversary in Michelle Pfeiffer, then crowds their confrontation with enough magical business to make both seem underused. There is some pleasure here for anyone who enjoys a queen being unpleasant in elaborate clothes. We would struggle to recommend 119 minutes on that basis, particularly when the film works so hard to dilute its principal attraction.

As Maleficent, Angelina Jolie can be fearsome without giving up the comedy. The performance understands how funny such a figure can be without making her harmless. Michelle Pfeiffer’s Queen Ingrith supplies the right amount of malice, and their exchanges make cruelty briefly entertaining. We laughed at their mutual hostility, because both actors let us enjoy the bad behaviour without asking us to mistake it for charm.

Elle Fanning brings commitment to Princess Aurora, though the writing gives that commitment too little support. The screenplay, credited to Noah Harpster, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Linda Woolverton, keeps widening the fairy-tale world while leaving its central conflict blunt. Its familiar turns would be less troublesome if the film allowed more time for the personalities already making them interesting. Too often, another stretch of fantasy spectacle arrives instead, and the actors have to compete for our attention with things that cannot answer back.

Patrick Tatopoulos’s production design gives the fairy realm enough strangeness to justify a little sightseeing. There are places here that deserve more attention than the busy storytelling allows them. Ellen Mirojnick’s elaborate costumes are a more dependable pleasure, particularly on a queen whose jewellery hardly softens her nastiness. Henry Braham’s underwater images also offer a welcome change from the crowded spectacle. Those passages allow the eye to settle, which becomes a considerable relief amid so many effects.

Laura Jennings and Craig Wood’s editing does not find a steady rhythm between the harsh fantasy conflict and the child-friendly silliness. The shifts keep breaking the tension, making it difficult to know how much weight to give the danger. Geoff Zanelli’s music cannot make those moods feel as though they belong to one story. However much energy the film expends, it rarely sustains a feeling long enough for us to become involved in what happens to anyone beyond the leading women.

A family fantasy can be frightening, and there is no reason to demand that its dangers remain tidy. The problem is the film’s uncertainty about how seriously to take them: the darker material and the comic distractions seem to belong to different evenings. We found the repeated changes of mood tiring, because the silliness keeps interrupting the unease the harsher passages have established. Its PG certificate should not be mistaken for a promise of gentleness.

Fairy tales can unsettle with a single difficult character, and Angelina Jolie supplies one here. Turning so much attention towards computer-generated conflict makes the film feel more ordinary, despite all the extra creatures and scenery. The performances and peculiar sights provide occasional rewards, but the story gives us little reason to stay interested between them. Anyone coming chiefly for Angelina Jolie should be prepared to spend a fair amount of the evening waiting.

*Fi1m score 46, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus on Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is mixed to negative, with most critics finding more to enjoy in its cast than its storytelling. Praise centres on Angelina Jolie’s commanding, camp performance and Michelle Pfeiffer’s relish for villainy, particularly when the two share the screen. Even several unfavourable reviews find pleasures in the costumes, fantasy settings and visual effects, though these rarely compensate for what critics describe as an overcrowded, poorly focused sequel.

The main reservations concern muddled plotting, uneven tone and spectacle that leaves Maleficent herself with too little to do. The spread is wide: Eye for Film offers an enthusiastic dissent, praising the excitement and women-led story while finding it less moving than its predecessor. Variety takes a sharply opposing view, finding the fantasy warfare oppressive and Jolie’s character sidelined. Elsewhere, critics divide over whether the expanded fairy world supplies welcome invention or merely adds distractions.

## Straight answers

**Is Maleficent: Mistress of Evil worth watching?**

*Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* offers entertaining hostility from Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer, but we struggle to recommend its muddled fantasy spectacle and score it 46 out of 100. The costumes and strange fairyland sights may please devoted fantasy viewers, though anyone coming chiefly for the leading women faces long stretches of computer-generated conflict between their exchanges.

**How long is Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, and what is it rated?**

*Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* runs 1h 59m and is rated K-12 by the KAVI in Finland. It is a family and fantasy film.

**Where can I watch Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in Finland?**

*Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* is streaming on Disney+ in Finland, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Maleficent: Mistress of Evil compare to The Witches?**

*Maleficent: Mistress of Evil* is the weaker choice beside [*The Witches*](https://film.one/film/the-witches), which we recommend for its darker humour and firmer sense of mischief. Both offer imposing antagonists, but Jolie and Pfeiffer compete with crowded spectacle, while Anjelica Huston’s delighted cruelty carries the funny, frightening *The Witches*, despite its slow start and softened nastiness.

**What should I watch after Maleficent: Mistress of Evil?**

After *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil*, try [*The Witches*](https://film.one/film/the-witches) (1990, Fi1m 82): Another imposing antagonist, with darker humour and a firmer sense of mischief. Then [*Stardust*](https://film.one/film/stardust) (2007, Fi1m 75): Royal scheming and magical creatures, handled with more warmth and comic assurance; and [*Princess Mononoke*](https://film.one/film/princess-mononoke) (1997, Fi1m 88): Human power confronts a magical natural world, with the moral complications left intact.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (65/100, inferred): O’Hara finds the sequel an improvement, though it remains overstuffed and too busy to match its leading lady. She praises Michelle Pfeiffer’s compelling villain and the film’s beautifully orchestrated finale. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/maleficent-mistress-of-evil/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The accessible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. Its standfirst highlights Jolie’s return and Pfeiffer’s pursuit. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review/5143315.article)
- **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page content is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/17/movies/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review.html)
- **IndieWire**, Eric Kohn (C+): Kohn finds the film’s story heavy-handed and familiar, though its visual spectacle offers some appeal. He singles out Angelina Jolie’s flamboyant, fearsome performance as the movie’s strongest feature. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-angelina-jolie-1202181556/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (3/5): O'Sullivan finds the sequel enjoyable but uneven, concluding it avoids ruining a brilliant character. She praises the gorgeous underwater shots and the film’s nightmare-like depiction of fairies being slaughtered. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-angelina-jolies-wicked-super-fairy-is-evil-ution-in-action-a4264931.html)
- **Time Out**, Tomris Laffly (3/5): The critic finds the sequel overstuffed but sees a worthy reason for it to exist. They single out the head-to-head between Michelle Pfeiffer and Angelina Jolie. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/maleficent-mistress-of-evil)
- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (C): The critic finds the sequel a mildly enjoyable but inert fantasy whose themes and dramatic turns are undermined by kid-friendly zaniness. They praise some inspired supporting details, especially the strange castle subordinates and the secret fairyland’s visual design. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/angelina-jolie-is-less-mistress-of-evil-than-one-liner-1839045941)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (45/100, inferred): Chang finds the sequel messy and overblown, though it has moments of unusual fun. He praises Michelle Pfeiffer’s glowering performance and the plot’s gleeful derangement. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-10-15/review-maleficent-mistress-of-evil-angelina-jolie)
- **Little White Lies**, Elena Lazic (2/2/2): Lazic finds the sequel muddled and misguided, ultimately a waste of everyone’s time. She particularly criticizes its clumsy use of Holocaust imagery and genocide as plot elements. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/maleficent-mistress-of-evil)
- **Radio Times**, Victoria Luxford (2/5): The review gives the film two stars and says its biggest selling point is the chance to see Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer command the screen. It also notes that the film expands the original’s world through a bombardment of spectacle. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-pe4dn9/maleficent-mistress-of-evil/)
- **The i Paper**, Joseph Walsh (★★): Walsh finds the sequel overstuffed, shallow and soporific, with too few entertaining moments to make it worthwhile. He praises Angelina Jolie’s wickedly camp performance and singles out her comic-chemistry showdown with Michelle Pfeiffer. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-angelina-jolie-sequel-elle-fanning-michelle-pfeiffer-352133)
- **Total Film**, Matt Maytum (2/5): The critic finds the sequel uninspired and unnecessary, with too little Maleficent to justify its existence. They praise its sweeping visuals and fantasy world, but say weak foundations undermine its emotional impact. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review/)
- **Sight and Sound**, Violet Lucca (35/100, inferred): Lucca finds the sequel bombastic and repetitive, with only passing pleasures. She singles out Michelle Pfeiffer’s nasty, bejewelled queen and the strange, culturally blended fairy haven. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/maleficent-mistress-evil-review-michelle-pfeiffer-makes-fairies-go-boom)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (30/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the sequel disappointing, saying it runs out of narrative steam and sinks into a generic CGI battle. He praises Jolie and Fanning for committing to their performances despite the weak material. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/oct/15/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-panto-fun-is-missing-in-action)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy (30/100, inferred): McCarthy finds the sequel formulaic and mechanically staged, with little dramatic tension despite its predictable commercial appeal. He singles out Angelina Jolie’s intriguing, ambiguous Maleficent as the film’s main distinction. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/maleficent-mistress-evil-review-1244816/)
- **Vulture**, Angelica Jade Bastién (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel a haphazard, disappointing mess that squanders its performers. She praises Jolie and Pfeiffer’s charismatic performances, while faulting the film’s CGI fixation and muddled storytelling. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2019/10/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-movie-review-angelina-jolie.html)
- **Slant Magazine**, Pat Brown (1/4): The critic finds the sequel cynical, tiresome, and ultimately empty. They single out its conversion of thorny folklore into functional action-hero effects as a key failure. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-maleficent-mistress-of-evil-transforms-thorny-folklore-into-fluff/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (10/100, inferred): Debruge pans the sequel as an ugly, unpleasant slog that turns Maleficent into a pawn in an overcrowded fantasy war. He praises Angelina Jolie’s formidable screen presence and vampy fashion, but faults the messy story and oppressive visual design. [Read](https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-angelina-jolie-1203365992/)
- **Eye for Film**, Jane Fae (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a great, exciting film, though less moving than its predecessor. She praises Maleficent’s climactic display of power and the film’s women-led story. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-2019-film-review-by-jane-fae)
- **HeyUGuys** (72/100, inferred): The critic finds it a fun, visually spectacular sequel with a strong message, despite some issues being too on-the-nose. They praise Angelina Jolie’s layered performance but fault the overlong, tonally discordant showdown. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-angelina-jolie/)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (65/100, inferred): Sandwell calls it a superior, often fun sequel, though it falls short of its potential. He praises the sparring between Angelina Jolie and Michelle Pfeiffer, while finding the fairy-world subplot dull. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a29414075/maleficent-2-review-mistress-of-evil-angelina-jolie/)
- **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (2.5 out of 5): Kaye finds the sequel predictable and narratively pointless, despite its occasional visual appeal. He singles out the expanded production design and Maleficent’s striking wings and fiery effects for praise. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review-angelina-jolie/)
- **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (5/10): Bui finds the ambitious sequel overstuffed and tonally confused, ultimately ending with a thud. She praises Jolie’s performance and the impressive visual spectacle of the battle sequences. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/569761/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-review/)
- **The Wrap** (35/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel diminished, with a less compelling story and a softened central character. The elaborate costumes stand out as its strongest feature. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/maleficent-mistress-of-evil-film-review-2-sequel-angelina-jolie/)

## Details

- **Director:** Joachim Rønning
- **Director:** Joachim Rønning
- **Writer:** Linda Woolverton, Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster
- **Cinematography:** Henry Braham
- **Editor:** Laura Jennings, Craig Wood
- **Music:** Geoff Zanelli
- **Production design:** Patrick Tatopoulos
- **Costume design:** Ellen Mirojnick
- **Producer:** Duncan Henderson, Angelina Jolie, Joe Roth
- **Cast:** Angelina Jolie as Maleficent; Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora; Harris Dickinson as Prince Phillip; Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith; Sam Riley as Diaval; Chiwetel Ejiofor as Conall; Ed Skrein as Borra; Robert Lindsay as King John
- **Runtime:** 1h 59m
- **Certificate (KAVI):** K-12
- **Release (Finland):** 16 October 2019
- **Genres:** Family, Fantasy, Adventure
- **Budget:** $185 million
- **Box office:** $492 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0OFH4xpPr4

## Where to watch in Finland

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy €11.99, sd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *The Witches* (1990), Fi1m 82: Another imposing antagonist, with darker humour and a firmer sense of mischief. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-witches.md)
- *Beauty and the Beast* (1946): For fairy-tale creatures whose strange surroundings deepen the feeling rather than distract.
- *Stardust* (2007), Fi1m 75: Royal scheming and magical creatures, handled with more warmth and comic assurance. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/stardust.md)
- *Princess Mononoke* (1997), Fi1m 88: Human power confronts a magical natural world, with the moral complications left intact. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/princess-mononoke.md)
- *Tale of Tales* (2015): A harsher fairy-tale option for adults, full of royal appetites and unsettling creatures.

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/maleficent-mistress-of-evil