The film explores the backstory of Maleficent (played by Angelina Jolie), a powerful fairy who lives in the magical Moors. She befriends a human boy named Stefan, and as they grow older, their friendship turns into love. However, as ambition and power play enter the picture, Stefan (played by Sharlto Copley) betrays Maleficent to become the successor to the human kingdom.
In an act of revenge, Maleficent curses Stefan’s newborn daughter, Aurora, with a spell that will cause her to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss. Maleficent watches over Aurora as she grows up, developing conflicting emotions toward the girl due to the curse she placed upon her.
As Aurora (played by Elle Fanning) approaches her sixteenth birthday, the film explores the evolving relationship between Maleficent and the young princess. Contrary to the traditional fairy tale, Maleficent comes to care for Aurora and tries to revoke the curse. However, the curse plays out as foretold, and Aurora falls into a deep sleep.
The climax of the film revolves around the classic fairy tale elements, with Prince Phillip attempting to awaken Aurora with true love’s kiss. However, it is ultimately Maleficent’s maternal love for Aurora that breaks the curse, revealing a different interpretation of true love.
The movie concludes with Maleficent and Aurora fostering a mother-daughter relationship. The narrative challenges the traditional dichotomy of good and evil, presenting a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Maleficent, shifting her from being a mere villain to a character with depth and redemption.
“Maleficent” received praise for Angelina Jolie’s performance, the visual effects, and the reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale. The film’s success led to a sequel, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” released in 2019.