--- title: "Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical" year: 2022 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical" fi1m_id: "roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical" imdb_id: "tt3447590" tmdb_id: 668482 wikidata_id: "Q111950437" fi1m_score: 80 critics_score: 72 critics_reviews: 25 published: "2026-10-03T02:50:44.937200+00:00" updated: "2026-10-03T02:50:45.266633+00:00" region: "DK" 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." --- # Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical (2022) Directed by Matthew Warchus · 1h 57m · Family, Comedy, Fantasy ## Identity Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical - **IMDb ID:** tt3447590 - **TMDB ID:** 668482 - **Wikidata ID:** Q111950437 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3447590/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/668482, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111950437 **Fi1m score: 80** · Critics 72 from 25 reviews *In a sentence:* A school musical whose children look more qualified to run the place than the staff > An energetic, moving family musical, led with assurance by Alisha Weir and softened by Lashana Lynch’s kindness. The children are worth the noise, though the staging sometimes needs to leave them alone. ## Synopsis Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a brilliant child surrounded by adults who have little patience for her. Her parents, Mr. Wormwood (Stephen Graham) and Mrs. Wormwood (Andrea Riseborough), provide little encouragement. At school, Agatha Trunchbull (Emma Thompson) makes authority a matter of intimidation, while Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch) offers kindness. Matilda wants to be heard and to make her own decisions, but the grown-ups expect obedience. With Miss Honey as an ally and other children facing the same cruelty, she begins to question why being bigger should mean having the last word. ## Review Matthew Warchus’s *Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical* is a funny, moving family film with an occasional need to calm down. Its anger at bullying gives the singing and dancing a purpose, and the children never seem like decoration around the adult stars. The rebellion matters because the cruelty is allowed to feel unpleasant, even when it comes dressed as a joke. We recommend it, with a caveat about the busy staging and a running time of 117 minutes that could use a trim. Alisha Weir makes Matilda Wormwood clever without making her smug, which is crucial when the adults are working so hard to be grotesque. She gives the defiance some vulnerability; we can believe that being right does not make being bullied any easier. Lashana Lynch’s Miss Honey is equally important, bringing a gentleness that does not look weak beside all the shouting. We were moved by their scenes together, because Lashana Lynch makes taking a child seriously feel like an enormous relief. Emma Thompson plays Agatha Trunchbull with a physical commitment that makes the comedy faintly alarming. The exaggeration works because she never asks us to find the woman harmless underneath it, and the threat gives the children’s defiance something substantial to resist. Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough, as Mr. Wormwood and Mrs. Wormwood, make a cheerfully garish pair of parents. Their broadness gives Alisha Weir plenty to react to, and she does not have to match their volume to hold our attention. The children are most persuasive when the film lets them work together. “School Song” is a good example: the tightly organised dancing makes them seem capable and resourceful without rubbing out their mischief. Tat Radcliffe’s mobile camera helps carry that energy across the screen, although its showier movements sometimes distract from the performers we came to watch. We would rather have a clearer view of the steps than another camera move. Christian Huband and David Hindle give the sets an angular severity, with enough colour to keep the ugliness from becoming oppressive. Those shapes suit the exaggerated performances and make the surroundings feel as forceful as the adults. Christopher Nightingale’s music helps sustain the momentum, though its gentler passages are especially welcome in a film so eager to keep us stimulated. The tenderness registers more clearly when the surrounding bustle eases. Dennis Kelly’s screenplay is less secure when it has to carry the story between the musical numbers. The story within the story feels laboured, asking for patience just when we want to stay with Matilda and the people immediately around her. Melanie Oliver’s editing does not quite solve that unevenness: the ensemble passages move briskly, but elsewhere the theatrical pacing hangs on. The digressions are the likeliest place for attention to wander. Against the family-film habit of softening every difficult feeling, the willingness to let children be angry is welcome. Matthew Warchus also trusts Alisha Weir and Lashana Lynch to make kindness interesting, which is harder than making a bully noisy. Their companionship provides some reassurance without making the cruelty feel trivial. For younger children unsettled by bullying, some company on the sofa may matter more than the PG certificate. *Fi1m score 80, published 3 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical an energetic, enjoyable adaptation, with praise clustering around its young cast and musical numbers. Alisha Weir’s assured Matilda and the children’s tightly coordinated choreography are recurring strengths. Emma Thompson’s grotesque, physically comic Miss Trunchbull also wins widespread approval, while several reviews value the tenderness Lashana Lynch brings to Miss Honey. Tim Minchin’s witty songs earn praise for both their bite and their poignancy. The spread is broad, ranging from wholehearted enthusiasm to complaints that the adaptation is merely serviceable. Reservations centre on overstretched length, theatrical pacing and staging that sometimes distracts from the performers or overwhelms the songs. Thompson is not universally admired: /Film considers her casting misguided despite recommending the film. Collider offers a more fundamental dissent, finding it dull and tonally inconsistent, though even that review praises the children’s choreography. ## Straight answers **Is Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical worth watching?** *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* is worth watching for its spirited children, humour and moving kindness, and we score it 80 out of 100. We recommend it to families who enjoy energetic musicals, though the busy staging and 117-minute running time could use restraint. Younger children unsettled by bullying may appreciate some company on the sofa. **How long is Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, and what is it rated?** *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* runs 1h 57m. It is a family and comedy film. **Where can I watch Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical in Denmark?** *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* is streaming on Netflix in Denmark. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical compare to Kiki's Delivery Service?** *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* is the louder, more confrontational family choice beside [*Kiki's Delivery Service*](https://film.one/film/kikis-delivery-service), with bullying and musical rebellion driving its young heroine towards independence. We favour *Kiki's Delivery Service* for a gentler evening, despite a few over-tidy lessons; *Matilda* suits families wanting singing, dancing and defiance, though its busy staging sometimes distracts from the children. **Is Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical based on a true story or a book?** *Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical* is based on a novel by Roald Dahl, rather than a true story. No knowledge of the book is needed to follow Matilda's resistance to bullying adults or appreciate the kindness of Miss Honey; the performances make those relationships clear. ### Reviews we read (25) - **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O'Sullivan finds the film’s best moments extraordinary, despite some conventional choices. She especially praises Emma Thompson’s haunting, eccentric performance as Miss Trunchbull. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/roald-dahl-s-matilda-the-musical-review-emma-thompson-tim-minchin-b1030489.html) - **The Guardian**, Wendy Ide (80/100, inferred): Ide finds the adaptation immensely enjoyable despite its slightly overstretched length. She praises Alisha Weir’s assured performance and Emma Thompson’s game portrayal of Miss Trunchbull. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/nov/27/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-review-immensely-enjoyable-matthew-warchus-emma-thompson) - **Time Out**, Olly Richards (4/5): The review presents the film as a delight and an impressive musical adaptation. It praises the transformation of Dahl’s story about a brilliant little girl into a brilliant big musical. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-2022) - **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (75/100, inferred): O’Hara finds the adaptation entertaining overall, though its length and theatrical pacing sometimes drag. She particularly praises Alisha Weir’s performance and Emma Thompson’s threatening, grotesque turn as Trunchbull. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/matilda-the-musical/) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (75/100, inferred): Lane finds the film an energetic, enjoyable adaptation whose themes of abuse and rebellion suit Dahl’s grotesque comic world. He especially praises the children’s screen presence, led confidently by Alisha Weir. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/12/12/brendan-frasers-soft-quizzicality-in-the-whale) - **Variety**, Guy Lodge (72/100, inferred): Lodge finds the adaptation lively and likable, though it lacks the cinematic dynamism to become a classic. He singles out Emma Thompson’s exuberant, physically comic Miss Trunchbull as the film’s chief triumph. [Read](https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-review-1235393676/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (70/100, inferred): Chang finds the adaptation bright and enjoyable, though sometimes mechanical. He praises Alisha Weir’s Matilda and Emma Thompson’s memorable Miss Trunchbull, while faulting the strained story-within-a-story device. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-12-08/matilda-review-roald-dahl-musical-netflix-emma-thompson) - **Sight and Sound**, BFI (70/100, inferred): The review finds the film a spirited adaptation that remains true to the story, though it cannot eclipse the stage musical. It praises the tender performances of Alisha Weir and Lashana Lynch, while noting that maximalist staging sometimes overwhelms the songs. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/roald-dahls-matilda-musical-joyous-maximalist-fable) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Leslie Felperin (70/100, inferred): Felperin finds the adaptation brashly entertaining and says it mostly works despite its tonal challenges. She especially praises the tightly choreographed children’s ensemble in numbers such as “School Song” and “Revolting Children.” [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-emma-thompson-netflix-1235233946/) - **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (65/100, inferred): Newland finds it a fun, serviceable family romp that stays within the expectations of its popular stage source. She praises the songs and angular production design, while faulting some flashy camera movements for distracting from performers. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-film-review-emma-thompson-is-terrifying-in-this-fun-family-romp-1895831) - **Screen Daily**, Nikki Baughan (64/100, inferred): The visible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It provides no specific praise or complaint beyond noting the stage-to-screen adaptation. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-london-review/5175108.article) - **The New York Times** (64/100, inferred): The page could not be accessed, so the critic’s verdict cannot be established. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/26/movies/matilda-musical-review-roald-dahl.html) - **IndieWire**, Ella Kemp (C+): Kemp finds the adaptation too sanitized and visually flat, though it remains occasionally sweet. She singles out Emma Thompson’s fully committed, sharply comic performance as Miss Trunchbull. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/matlida-the-musical-movie-review-netflix-1234769601/) - **Total Film**, Neil Smith (3/5): The critic calls it a charming but merely serviceable adaptation that lacks the stage show’s magic. Minchin’s witty lyrics and the poignancy of songs such as “When I Grow Up” are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/matilda-the-musical-review-2022/) - **Radio Times**, Lewis Knight (43/100, inferred): The headline says the film fails to deliver for the whole family. The available page text does not reveal what the critic singles out as a strength or weakness. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/roald-dahls-matilda-musical-review/) - **The Wrap** (95/100, inferred): The critic calls the film an invigorating instant classic that should delight adults and children. They particularly praise the cast’s performances and the colorful, inventive production design. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/matilda-the-musical-film-review-netflix-emma-thompson/) - **Deadline**, Stephanie Bunbury (90/100, inferred): Bunbury finds the film an absolute blast and a hugely entertaining reimagining of the stage musical. She especially praises Tim Minchin’s sharp, precise songs and the spectacle surrounding them. [Read](https://deadline.com/2022/10/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-review-london-film-festival-1235136020/) - **Paste**, Amy Amatangelo (9.0/10): The critic praises the film as an excellent, faithful stage-to-screen adaptation that works for the whole family. She singles out the energetic musical numbers and choreography, along with the performances of Alisha Weir and Emma Thompson. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/netflix/matilda-the-musical-review) - **Film Stories**, James Harvey (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the adaptation an absolute delight: upbeat, fun, and gloriously revolting. Emma Thompson’s Miss Trunchbull and the child cast’s energetic choreography are singled out for praise. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-review-an-absolute-delight/) - **The Playlist** (85/100, inferred): The headline indicates a positive verdict, but the page itself could not be accessed. The review’s specific praise cannot be verified from the available text. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-takes-something-great-and-makes-it-even-better-20221210/) - **/Film**, Hannah Shaw-Williams (8/10): The critic finds the film’s strengths more than compensate for its weaknesses. She praises the young ensemble and powerhouse musical numbers, while calling Emma Thompson’s casting as Miss Trunchbull misguided. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1040196/matilda-review-a-deliciously-dark-revenge-tale-with-a-sweet-center-london-film-festival/) - **NME**, Alex Flood (4/5): The review finds the adaptation entertaining and a worthy alternative to the original, though it may not suit viewers who dislike musicals. It praises the young cast, especially Alisha Weir’s mischievous Matilda. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/matilda-the-musical-review-roald-dahl-3324009) - **Den of Geek**, Louisa Mellor (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film disturbing but emotionally powerful, weird, and politically resonant. She singles out the performances of Alisha Weir and Lashana Lynch, especially their moving portrayal of Matilda and Miss Honey’s bond. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/of-course-matilda-the-musical-is-upsetting-its-a-roald-dahl-story/) - **HeyUGuys** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the musical energetic, heartfelt and fun for audiences of all ages. They particularly praise Alisha Weir’s performance, while noting that the Wormwoods and Trunchbull are garish caricatures. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical-review/) - **Collider**, Emma Kiely (D+): Kiely finds the adaptation dull and tonally inconsistent, arguing it loses the original’s playful magic. She praises the children’s choreography and the camp performances of Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough as Matilda’s parents. [Read](https://collider.com/matilda-the-musical-review/) ## Details - **Director:** Matthew Warchus - **Director:** Matthew Warchus - **Screenplay:** Dennis Kelly - **Novel:** Roald Dahl - **Cinematography:** Tat Radcliffe - **Editor:** Melanie Oliver - **Music:** Christopher Nightingale - **Production design:** David Hindle, Christian Huband - **Costume design:** Rob Howell - **Producer:** Luke Kelly, Jon Finn, Eric Fellner - **Cast:** Alisha Weir as Matilda Wormwood; Emma Thompson as Agatha Trunchbull; Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey; Stephen Graham as Mr. Wormwood; Andrea Riseborough as Mrs. Wormwood; Sindhu Vee as Mrs. Phelps; Carl Spencer as Escapologist; Lauren Alexandra as Acrobat - **Runtime:** 1h 57m - **First release (the UK):** 5 October 2022 - **Genres:** Family, Comedy, Fantasy - **Budget:** $25 million - **Box office:** $37 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEEMbNS6fzY ## Where to watch in Denmark - Netflix: streaming *Checked 2026-10-03.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.* (1953): Another musical nightmare of adult authority, with stranger rooms and equally resourceful children. - *Kiki's Delivery Service* (1989), Fi1m 86: A young heroine finds independence through work, friendship and adults prepared to listen. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kikis-delivery-service.md) - *The Secret Garden* (1993): For the quieter pleasure of watching neglected children find companionship and confidence. - *The Red Balloon* (1956): Childhood fantasy told with few words, where kindness and cruelty remain close neighbours. - *Sing Street* (2016): For older children, another case of music making an oppressive school more bearable. --- © 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/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical