Matilda

Year: 1996

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Russian

Budget: $36M

FantasyComedyFamily

A chance encounter ignites a passionate romance between the future Tsar Nicholas II and the celebrated ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya. Their connection blossoms within the lavish setting of Imperial Russia, challenging royal customs and intertwining their lives with artistic ambition. As their relationship deepens, they face the complexities of courtly expectations and the pressures of their respective roles.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Matilda yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Matilda (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Matilda (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

Crunchem Hall Elementary School, public library, Wormwood home

Crunchem Hall Elementary School is a tyrannical environment dominated by Principal Trunchbull, known for her oppressive methods and strict discipline. The public library serves as a sanctuary for young Matilda, where she discovers a love for books and knowledge. The Wormwood home, characterized by neglect and chaos, reflects the dysfunctional family dynamic that Matilda seeks to escape.

🏫 School 📚 Library 🏠 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:35

Main Characters – Matilda (1996)

Meet the key characters of Matilda (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:35

Major Themes – Matilda (1996)

Explore the central themes of Matilda (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:35

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about child prodigies challenging tyrants like Matilda

Brilliant children use their unique talents to challenge oppressive adult figures.If you enjoyed watching Matilda stand up to Miss Trunchbull, you'll love these movies featuring brilliant young heroes outsmarting oppressive villains. This collection gathers stories where kids use their intellect and courage to topple unjust authority, offering a cathartic and empowering viewing experience.

empoweringcatharticdefianthopefuldarkly comedicchildlike wondertriumphant

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a gifted child who is initially powerless against a formidable adult antagonist. Through a series of clever schemes, often aided by a special ability or a supportive mentor, the protagonist gradually exposes the villain's weaknesses and orchestrates their downfall. The story arc moves from oppression to rebellion and culminates in a decisive, satisfying victory for the underdog.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core theme of intellectual and moral triumph against oppression. They balance dark themes of abuse with a hopeful, whimsical tone, resulting in a cathartic and empowering experience centered on the resilience and ingenuity of youth.

Movies with whimsical empowerment like Matilda

Stories where lighthearted fantasy helps characters overcome serious struggles.Looking for more movies like Matilda that use fantasy and humor to tackle serious themes? These films share a unique blend of darkly comedic situations and lighthearted, magical solutions, creating an empowering and hopeful feel-good experience despite the heavier subject matter.

whimsicalhopefulempoweringdarkly comediccatharticheartwarmingfantastical

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread often begin with a protagonist facing a bleak or oppressive situation. The introduction of a whimsical or magical element—be it a power, a place, or a person—shifts the balance of power. This fantastical component is used strategically to challenge the status quo, leading to a journey that is as much about internal empowerment as it is about external victory, all while maintaining a sense of playfulness.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their distinctive tone, which contrasts dark themes with a whimsical, hopeful sensibility. The pacing is steady, guiding the viewer through serious struggles without becoming overwhelming, and the endings are resoundingly positive, making the emotional journey ultimately uplifting and satisfying.

Unlock the Full Story of Matilda

Don't stop at just watching — explore Matilda in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Matilda is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Matilda Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Matilda, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Matilda Timeline

Track the full timeline of Matilda with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Matilda Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Matilda that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Matilda

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Matilda: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Matilda

Discover movies like Matilda that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.