Unloved by her family and not allowed to go to school which
means she can’t make any friends, Matilda (Mara Wilson) seeks comfort in books.
Along with being exceptionally bright she also discovers that she can move
things with her mind. Eventually getting to go to school, she makes friends and
is cared for by her teacher, Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz).
It always make me so sad watching this film just because of
how Matilda is treated by the people who are supposed to be the kindest. And
she doesn’t become a bad person because of it, I love that. She uses her powers to help
people and she is just a lovely person. It’s great to see that even when bad
things happen, some people don’t let it turn them into the darker version of themselves.
Even when it’s so easy. She throws herself into reading and it provides her
with the escape she needs from her young life. “These books gave Matilda a
comforting message: You are not alone.”
Miss Honey! My first ever crush and I’m still smitten with
her every time I watch the film. She overcomes her feelings of inferiority in
front of Miss Trunchbull and stands up for Matilda even when it’s terrifying.
When Matilda tells her that she can move things with her mind, she doesn’t
react badly, she is accepting of what Matilda believes she can do. And at every
opportunity she makes Matilda feel cared for. How can you not love her? “You
were born into a family that doesn’t always appreciate you but one day things
are going to be very different.” What a great thing that would be to hear if
you were having a horrible time at home.
Eventually she adopts Matilda and they both get to be happy
with each other. It’s such a great film, it just feels like a hug.
8/10
