Matilda

Matilda

Year: 1996

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Russian

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!

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Timeline – Matilda (1996)

Trace every key event in Matilda (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Daily Neglect

Matilda Wormwood, a young prodigy, faces significant neglect and mistreatment from her parents, Harry and Zinnia. Her father, a grumpy car salesman, and her mother, overly obsessed with Bingo, fail to recognize Matilda's extraordinary intelligence and well-being.

2

Bullying by Michael

At home, Matilda is relentlessly bullied by her older brother, Michael, who dismissively calls her 'dip-face.' This adds to the emotional neglect she experiences, further isolating her in her own world of brilliance and imagination.

3

Finding Refuge in Books

Left unsupervised due to her parents' indifference, Matilda discovers solace in the public library. She begins devouring books, immersing herself in fantastical stories that showcase her love for learning and her intellectual capabilities.

Public Library
4

Rebellion Against Parents

When her parents refuse to send her to school, insisting she is too young, Matilda decides to take matters into her own hands. She engages in small acts of revenge, including tampering with her father's personal items.

5

Destruction of Moby-Dick

The tensions escalate when Harry angrily destroys a library copy of 'Moby-Dick,' deeming it inappropriate for Matilda. In response to his rage, Matilda causes a spectacular explosion of the television that symbolizes her accumulating frustration.

6

Enrollment at Crunchem Hall

To gain access to education, Matilda's father sells a car to the fearsome principal, Miss Agatha Trunchbull, who reluctantly agrees to take Matilda into her school. This marks a pivotal moment in Matilda's journey towards asserting her intelligence.

Crunchem Hall Elementary School
7

Bonding with Miss Honey

At school, Matilda quickly forms a bond with her teacher, Miss Jennifer Honey, who recognizes her brilliance. Miss Honey advocates for Matilda's advancement but faces dismissal from Trunchbull, who does not see the young girl as a worthy student.

Crunchem Hall Elementary School
8

Discovery of Father's Crimes

Matilda uncovers that her father is involved in illegal activities related to his car sales, attracting the attention of undercover FBI agents. However, her parents are dismissive, mistaking the agents for regular salesmen, highlighting their inability to protect her.

9

Imprisonment in the Chokey

In retaliation for Matilda's resilience, Miss Trunchbull locks her in the Chokey, a terrifying confinement. This act only strengthens Matilda's resolve to fight against the injustices within the school system.

Crunchem Hall Elementary School
10

Lavender's Prank

Matilda's friend Lavender executes a clever prank on Trunchbull by hiding a newt in her water jug. The prank escalates when Matilda uses her telekinetic powers to spill the newt on Trunchbull, emphasizing her struggle against the school's oppressive environment.

Crunchem Hall Elementary School
11

Heartfelt Tea with Miss Honey

During a heartfelt tea, Matilda learns about Miss Honey's tragic past, including her mother's death in a circus accident and her father's murder by Trunchbull. This bonding moment cements their relationship and Matilda's desire to help Miss Honey reclaim her inheritance.

Miss Honey's House
12

Mission to Retrieve Belongings

Matilda and Miss Honey embark on a daring mission to recover Honey’s cherished belongings from Trunchbull's home. Their plan is risky, and they narrowly escape capture, showcasing Matilda's growing courage.

Trunchbull's House
13

Confronting Trunchbull

Matilda hones her telekinetic abilities and uses them to thwart the FBI agents during their investigation. In a bold move, she stages a confrontation with Trunchbull, impersonating the spirit of Miss Honey's father to expose Trunchbull's wrongdoings.

Crunchem Hall Elementary School
14

Liberating the Students

Faced with Matilda's powers and the bravery of her classmates, the students rally together to oust the oppressive Trunchbull from their lives for good. This marks a significant turning point in their school environment and Matilda's newfound influence.

Crunchem Hall Elementary School
15

Adoption by Miss Honey

In a climactic farewell, Matilda stands her ground against her neglectful parents, asserting her desire to be adopted by Miss Honey. Ultimately, both of her parents sign the adoption papers, and Matilda embarks on a joyful new life, free from her past.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 13:31

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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 Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Matilda

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Matilda

More About Matilda

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