Review: Maria (2025) — Angelina Jolie’s Poignant Portrayal of Maria Callas
Maria (2025), directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight, offers an intimate exploration of the final days of legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Set in 1977 Paris, the film stars Angelina Jolie as Callas, delivering a performance that captures the soprano’s vulnerability and enduring strength.
A Glimpse into Callas’s Final Days
The narrative unfolds within Callas’s Paris apartment, where she lives in seclusion, accompanied by her butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino) and housekeeper Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher). Struggling with loneliness and health issues, including an addiction to the sedative Mandrax, Callas reflects on her past through a series of flashbacks and hallucinations. These sequences delve into her tumultuous relationship with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer) and her illustrious career. The film juxtaposes her present solitude with memories of her vibrant past, painting a portrait of a woman grappling with her legacy and personal demons.
Angelina Jolie’s Transformative Performance
Jolie’s portrayal of Callas has been widely acclaimed, with critics highlighting her ability to embody the diva’s complex persona. She captures Callas’s elegance, wit, and underlying sorrow, offering a nuanced performance that anchors the film. While Jolie does not perform the operatic vocals, her lip-syncing to Callas’s recordings is executed with precision, adding authenticity to the portrayal. Her interactions with the supporting cast, particularly Favino and Rohrwacher, bring warmth and depth to the narrative.
Visual and Narrative Composition
The film’s cinematography, led by Edward Lachman, envelops viewers in a rich, melancholic atmosphere. The use of subdued lighting and intricate set designs reflects Callas’s internal turmoil and the fading grandeur of her surroundings. Costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini recreates Callas’s iconic wardrobe with meticulous detail, further immersing the audience in the era.
However, some critics have noted that the film’s structure, relying heavily on flashbacks and dreamlike sequences, may at times hinder the narrative’s momentum. Despite this, the film’s emotional resonance and visual artistry have been praised for offering a compelling depiction of Callas’s final chapter.
Reception and Accolades
Maria has received generally favorable reviews, holding a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 63 on Metacritic. Jolie’s performance has earned her nominations for Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. The film’s cinematography and costume design have also garnered critical acclaim, with nominations from the American Society of Cinematographers and the Costume Designers Guild.
Conclusion
Maria stands as a poignant tribute to Maria Callas, offering a window into the complexities of her final days. Through Jolie’s compelling performance and Larraín’s thoughtful direction, the film invites audiences to reflect on the enduring impact of a woman whose voice and presence left an indelible mark on the world of opera