Matilda the Musical, the new movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book, has dropped on Netflix and other platforms – here’s everything you need to know about how to watch it.
Most people discovered Roald Dahl’s Matilda in one of two ways: they were given the book at a young age, either for Christmas, from the library, or at school; or they watched Danny DeVito’s 1996 masterpiece with Mara Wilson as the titular girl.
In 2011, Tim Minchin launched Matilda the Musical, an acclaimed, award-winning stage show on Broadway and the West End that’s taken home five Tony Awards.
Now, Netflix has adapted the musical for the screen – but when will Matilda be available to stream? Read on to find out.
When and where can you watch Matilda the Musical?
Matilda the Musical is currently available to stream on Netflix, and in the UK it is currently hitting the top 10 list.
The movie came out in a rather staggered release, as in the US, Matilda has been on Netflix since December 25, 2022, whereas the film only came out in the UK in July, 2023. Which is surprising, considering that the story is set in England.
Viewers can also rent or buy the film digitally across streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime and YouTube.
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Matilda musical movie released on all digital platforms today https://t.co/qHSKWrdFgw pic.twitter.com/l9G0t9R9rQ
— WhatsOnStage (@WhatsOnStage) February 8, 2023
What is Matilda the Musical about?
If you’re somehow unfamiliar with the story, the synopsis reads: “Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination — and the worst parents in the world.
While her parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they are loud, selfish and unkind she is a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge.
“On meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend Crunchem Hall, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the huge and villainous Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson).
“As well as kind Miss Honey, the bright lights among the meanness are story-loving librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee), and Matilda’s newfound school friends. Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda dares to take a stand for what is right and teach Trunchbull a lesson she won’t forget.”
In our review, we said the movie was “loud, bright, and garish, and if they can cope with the darker strands of the story, kids are going to love it.”
Matilda the Musical is currently available to stream on Netflix.