The film follows the story of Matilda Wormwood (played by Mara Wilson), a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers, who lives with her neglectful and abusive parents, Harry (played by Danny DeVito) and Zinnia (played by Rhea Perlman) Wormwood.
Matilda discovers her powers at a young age and learns to control them in secret. Despite her unhappy home life, she finds solace and joy in books and education. Matilda’s love for learning leads her to the local library, where she befriends the kind-hearted librarian, Mrs. Phelps (played by Embeth Davidtz), and devours books voraciously.
When Matilda reaches school age, she is enrolled at Crunchem Hall Elementary School, where she encounters the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (played by Pam Ferris), who terrorizes the students and teachers with her strict discipline and cruel punishments.
Matilda forms a close bond with her compassionate teacher, Miss Honey (played by Embeth Davidtz), who recognizes her intelligence and encourages her to reach her full potential. Miss Honey also reveals that she is Miss Trunchbull’s niece and shares her own tragic backstory of abuse and neglect.
As Matilda’s powers grow stronger, she uses them to stand up to Miss Trunchbull and protect her friends, including Bruce Bogtrotter (played by Jimmy Karz), who is forced to eat an entire chocolate cake as punishment.
In the climax of the film, Matilda confronts Miss Trunchbull and uses her telekinetic powers to defeat her, forcing her to flee the school in terror. With Miss Trunchbull gone, Matilda and her classmates celebrate their victory and look forward to a brighter future.
In the end, Matilda is adopted by Miss Honey, who becomes her loving and supportive guardian. Matilda’s parents are never seen or heard from again, and she lives happily ever after with Miss Honey, finally finding the love and acceptance she deserves.
“Matilda” is praised for its whimsical storytelling, charming performances, and empowering message about the importance of kindness, courage, and standing up for what is right. It remains a beloved classic for audiences of all ages, celebrating the power of imagination and the triumph of good over evil.