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Netflix’s Maria Starring Angelina Jolie Debuts with a 73% Rotten Tomatoes Rating—Here’s What Critics Are Saying
Angelina Jolie’s much-anticipated Netflix film, Maria, made its debut this week and immediately sparked conversations among critics and audiences alike. The movie, directed by award-winning filmmaker Pablo Larraín, earned a respectable 73% on Rotten Tomatoes—a score that reflects a mix of praise and critique for this ambitious biographical drama.
From Jolie’s transformative performance to Larraín’s distinctive direction, Maria is a film that aims high. But does it deliver on its lofty ambitions? Here’s a deep dive into the movie’s reception and what critics are saying about it.
A Bold Retelling of Maria Callas’ Life
Maria tells the story of Maria Callas, the legendary opera singer whose life was as dramatic as the arias she performed. The film focuses on Callas’ later years, capturing her struggles with fame, love, and the search for identity in the face of a fading career. It paints an intimate portrait of a woman torn between her art and her personal life, offering a nuanced exploration of themes such as ambition, loneliness, and resilience.
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Angelina Jolie takes on the titular role, stepping into the shoes of a character far removed from her previous work. Known for her commanding on-screen presence and emotionally charged performances, Jolie brings gravitas to the role of Callas, portraying her with vulnerability and strength.
Angelina Jolie’s Performance: A Masterclass or Missed Opportunity?
Critics have been largely unanimous in their praise for Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas. Many have called it one of her most nuanced performances in recent years. Her ability to embody the emotional complexity of Callas—her heartbreak, her passion, and her insecurities—has drawn comparisons to her Oscar-winning turn in Girl, Interrupted.
One critic from Variety wrote:
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“Angelina Jolie disappears into the role of Maria Callas, delivering a performance that is both haunting and mesmerizing. Her portrayal of the diva is a reminder of Jolie’s ability to dominate the screen with sheer emotional intensity.”
However, not all reviews were glowing. Some noted that while Jolie captured the essence of Callas’ public persona, the screenplay didn’t provide enough depth to fully explore her inner life. A reviewer from The Guardian commented:
“Jolie does her best with the material she’s given, but the script often feels more like a surface-level tribute than a deep dive into Callas’ psyche.”
Pablo Larraín’s Direction: A Signature Style
Director Pablo Larraín, known for his biographical dramas like Jackie and Spencer, brings his signature style to Maria. The film is visually stunning, with a subdued color palette and carefully composed shots that evoke the melancholic beauty of Callas’ life. Larraín’s focus on quiet, introspective moments—such as Callas staring out of her Paris apartment window or rehearsing alone in an empty theater—adds an intimate, almost poetic quality to the film.
Critics have praised Larraín’s direction for its ability to capture the essence of Callas’ world. A review in The Hollywood Reporter stated:
“Larraín crafts a cinematic elegy for Maria Callas, blending his trademark visual elegance with a poignant exploration of her humanity.”
However, some felt that the film’s pacing and narrative structure were uneven, with long stretches of reflection that occasionally felt aimless. A New York Times review noted:
“While Larraín’s aesthetic is undeniable, the film sometimes struggles to maintain momentum, leaving viewers yearning for more narrative drive.”
A Score That Hits the Right Notes
One of the highlights of Maria is its soundtrack, which features iconic performances by Maria Callas herself. Larraín cleverly integrates these recordings into the film, using them to underscore key emotional beats and bridge the gap between Callas’ artistry and her personal struggles.
The decision to let Callas’ voice shine was met with widespread acclaim. As a critic from IndieWire remarked:
“Hearing Callas’ voice in the context of her story adds an emotional weight that is hard to replicate. The music becomes a character in its own right, speaking volumes about who Maria was.”
Critics Divided on the Script
While Jolie’s performance and Larraín’s direction received praise, the screenplay by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Spencer) garnered mixed reviews. Some applauded its focus on Callas’ inner turmoil and the subtle way it portrayed her relationships, particularly her connection with Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate who left her for Jacqueline Kennedy.
Others, however, felt that the script lacked the depth and complexity needed to fully bring Callas’ story to life. A critic from Rolling Stone commented:
“The film hints at the complexities of Maria Callas’ life but stops short of truly unpacking them, leaving viewers with a sense of what could have been.”
Audience Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Despite the mixed critical reception, Maria has generated significant buzz on social media. Fans of Angelina Jolie have praised her transformative performance, while opera enthusiasts have expressed appreciation for the film’s tribute to Callas’ legacy.
On Twitter, one user wrote:
“Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas is pure magic. This film gave me chills—her voice, her story, her struggles. A must-watch!”
Another tweeted:
“Loved the cinematography and Jolie’s performance, but I wish the story dug deeper into Maria Callas’ genius and heartbreak.”
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Maria?
With a 73% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Maria has positioned itself as a film worth watching, especially for fans of Angelina Jolie and those interested in biographical dramas. While it may not be a flawless masterpiece, the film offers a poignant and visually captivating look at one of history’s greatest opera singers.
Whether you’re drawn by Jolie’s performance, Larraín’s direction, or the chance to learn more about Maria Callas, Maria is a cinematic experience that invites viewers to reflect on the price of fame and the enduring power of art.
As one critic aptly put it:
“Maria may not hit all the high notes, but when it does, it soars.”
