Let me tell you, I had my doubts before watching Maria (2024). Could Angelina Jolie truly embody the legendary Maria Callas? After all, Callas wasn’t just an opera singer — she was a force of nature. And under the direction of Pablo Larraín, known for Jackie and Spencer, my expectations were sky-high. So, did Maria deliver a soul-stirring performance, or did it simply skim the surface of the diva’s final days?
Plot Overview (No Spoilers!)
Set in 1970s Paris, Maria offers an intimate look at the last days of Callas’s life. Isolated in her apartment, she reflects on her past, her career, and, most notably, her tumultuous relationship with Aristotle Onassis. Through a blend of flashbacks and present-day moments, we get a deeply personal, if slightly melancholic, glimpse into the woman behind the voice.
Director’s Vision & Storytelling
Pablo Larraín has a gift for portraying complex female icons, and Maria is no exception. His approach here is subtle and atmospheric, capturing the loneliness of a woman whose voice once moved millions but now fills only the confines of her apartment. The film’s pacing is deliberate — some might call it slow, but for me, it felt like stepping into the quiet, contemplative world of a fading star.
Performance: Can Jolie Do Callas Justice?
Angelina Jolie delivers one of her most nuanced performances in years. She doesn’t just imitate Callas — she inhabits her. From the way she carries herself to the haunting stillness in her eyes, Jolie brings Callas’s sorrow, pride, and passion to life. Haluk Bilginer as Onassis adds weight to the film, portraying their turbulent love with just the right mix of charm and cruelty. Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher round out the supporting cast, offering warmth and loyalty in Callas’s otherwise lonely world.
Cinematography & Sound: A Feast for the Senses
Cinematographer Edward Lachman paints Callas’s world in soft shadows and warm candlelight, evoking the nostalgia and longing of a woman trapped in memories. The contrast between her dimly lit apartment and the vibrant flashbacks to her prime creates a striking visual dichotomy. And let’s talk about the music — woven seamlessly into the film, Callas’s arias are more than just a soundtrack; they feel like echoes of her soul, haunting every frame.
Themes & Symbolism
At its core, Maria is about love, loss, and the price of artistic perfection. The film explores Callas’s eternal struggle — was she a woman first, or was she always meant to be just the voice? Larraín doesn’t hand us easy answers, instead allowing us to sit in that question alongside Callas herself.
Final Verdict: Must-Watch or Miss?
Maria isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a fast-paced biopic packed with dramatic highs and lows, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you appreciate introspective, artistically rich storytelling, Maria is a must-watch. Angelina Jolie is mesmerizing, and Pablo Larraín delivers yet another masterclass in portraying iconic women with depth and reverence.
Essential Facts:
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Budget: Undisclosed
Box Office: $8.8 million worldwide
Awards: Golden Globe nomination for Jolie, Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography
Maria is a hauntingly beautiful farewell to a woman who lived for her art — and ultimately, may have been consumed by it.
