Matilda the Musical Discussion Questions by the Hobbit and the Queen. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch Matilda the Musical
Movie: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Rating: PG
Age Suggestion: 11 and up
Running Time: 117 minutes
Release Date: December 9th, 2022, theatrical; December 25th, 2022, Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Warnings: Death of parent; emotional, mental, and physical abuse
Quick Matilda the Musical Summary
Matilda was originally a novel by Roald Dahl (1988), There is an earlier movie version, from 1996. In 2011, the novel was adapted as a stage musical. This is the movie adaptation of the musical. The story in all is similar and familiar: Matilda Wormwood, a misunderstood child prodigy, undergoes various trials from family and school but emerges happy at the end.
Is Matilda the Musical Appropriate?
Matilda (and the other children at Crunchem Hall) are subjected to various types of abuse by the cruel headmistress, Agatha Trunchbull. Matilda is also neglected by her parents. All of this is over the top, but parents should take into consideration their child’s ability to determine what is real and what is being played in an exaggerated way. This is why, although rated PG, I have recommended for 11 plus. Lastly, if you are coming from a place where kids have a history of any kind of abuse, this is probably a good movie to skip.
Matilda the Musical Spoiler Review
As it has taken many forms, the story is familiar and as this is an adaptation of an adaptation there are going to be some differences between the book, the earlier movie, as well as the musical itself
A recurring theme throughout the movie is free will – has your story already been written, or can you change the ending of the story? This can provide some interesting areas of discussion and will be one of the things we dive into in the Matilda the Musical Discussion Questions below.
Another thing we will mention below is the importance of literature. Matilda has obviously been heavily influenced by the books she has read. She recites an interesting list to miss honey whenever she is asked what books she has read in the past week. Emma Thompson always does a fantastic job, and this is no exception. All of the performances are stellar, and the cinematography is well done, especially when we are in the subplot of the Escapologist and the Acrobat. The casting is inclusive.
I was not particularly impressed with the soundtrack. The humor is on the darker side, and it was not always easy to emotionally connect with the major characters. However, there are some interesting things to think about after watching this movie.
Favorite Matilda the Musical Quotes
That is the biggest hug in the world.
My mummy says I’m a miracle.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was trapped.
Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.
You don’t know the alphabet until we learn you the alphabet.
Matilda the Musical Quotes
Matilda the Musical Discussion
Questions and Themes
1) How much control do we have over our stories? How can we influence those stories?
2) Reading is very important in this story. How do books and literature influence us? What influential books have you read recently?
3) While the abuses Miss Trunchbull hurls at the students, as noted, are over the top, this could be an excellent opportunity to discuss the subject of mental, emotional, and physical abuse.
4) On an adult level, the story is almost like Dickens. What other stories does it remind you of?
5) Which was your favorite musical number and why?
Thanks for reading our Matilda the Musical Discussion Questions. Here’s what to check out next:
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