Review: Maria
The Latest From Pablo Larraín
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Maria. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.
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THE PLOT
Via Letterboxd: Maria Callas, once the world’s greatest opera diva, lives in seclusion in Paris with her staff and her two poodles. Her health is getting worse and worse. Then she receives a request to go on tour again. Will La Callas sing again? And if so, for whom?
QUICK REVIEW
Pablo Larraín has completed his trilogy of films about tragic, iconic women, with each exploring a pivotal period in its subject’s life. Jackie (2016) delved into Jackie Kennedy's transition into life after JFK’s assassination, Spencer (2021) portrayed Princess Diana’s breaking point with the royal family, and now Maria (2024) focuses on Maria Callas’s twilight years.
All three films have earned critical acclaim for their leading actresses, though Larraín’s slow, contemplative style appeals mainly to viewers with a particular taste for artful, introspective cinema. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two films, I was eager to see how Maria concludes this remarkable trilogy.
There’s been considerable discussion about Maria being the weakest entry in Pablo Larraín’s trilogy, and I honestly have to agree. Compared to Jackie and Spencer, this film offers less plot and character evolution. However, that doesn’t mean I consider it mediocre, I still thoroughly enjoyed it overall.
What elevates the film beyond its less compelling screenplay is Angelina Jolie’s sensational performance as Maria Callas. Jolie embodies the opera legend so completely that my wife, who was watching with me, leaned over halfway through and asked if it was really her on screen! This might just be the finest performance of Jolie’s career. Even during the film’s quieter, less dynamic moments, her portrayal kept me fully engaged.
The supporting cast is excellent, but the standout for me was Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax, a documentarian interviewing Callas throughout the film. His character brings a fresh perspective and emotional depth to the narrative.
As with Larraín’s previous films, the technical craftsmanship is top-notch. The direction, costumes, production design, cinematography, and score are all beautifully executed. Whether or not his style resonates with you, it’s impossible not to appreciate the meticulous artistry on display.
That said, this film won’t be for everyone. If you found Jackie or Spencer too slow, bleak, or disengaging, Maria likely won’t change your mind. But for fans of the trilogy, even if you find this installment slightly underwhelming by comparison to the other two, there’s still much to appreciate. I give Maria a solid initial grade of B+.
INITIAL GRADING
