Maria (2024): Release date, plot, trailer, and more

Anjelina Jolie in and as Maria releasing on November 27 in select theatres. ( via Netflix/Tudum)

The much-anticipated movie Maria is set to be one of 2024’s biggest cinematic releases, promising a gripping story and a stellar cast. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pablo Larraín, the movie stars Angelina Jolie in a transformative role that has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike.

The film's trailer offers a glimpse into an emotional journey that is deeply personal yet universally resonant, sparking significant interest ahead of its release. Set to debut on Netflix and Mubi on December 11, 2024, Maria is a powerful biographical drama inspired by the life of opera legend Maria Callas.

The movie follows Callas’s struggles with fame, love, and personal sacrifice, offering a poignant exploration of her legacy and humanity.

When will Maria be released?

Angelina Jolie in Maria (via Mubi/Youtube)

Maria is set to release in select theaters on November 27, 2024, and stream on Netflix and Mubi on December 11, 2024. Netflix announced the date earlier this year, coinciding with the unveiling of the film’s first official poster and trailer.

Production for the film took place in key locations across Paris, Venice, and Athens, highlighting the historical and cultural backdrop central to Maria Callas’s life. The film wrapped up production in mid-2023. Director Pablo Larraín, known for films like Spencer and Jackie, collaborates with screenwriter Steven Knight to bring Callas’s story to life.

The casting of Angelina Jolie was met with excitement, as she underwent extensive training to embody Callas, from studying opera to adopting her distinct mannerisms.

Maria will premiere on Netflix and Mubi globally, making it accessible across multiple time zones. Fans are encouraged to watch the movie in sequence to fully immerse themselves in its narrative flow.

Also read: Angelina Jolie reveals she stopped singing because of a former partner's criticism

Cast and crew

Still from the movie Maria (via Mubi/Youtube)

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas
Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio Mezzadri
Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna Lupoli
Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax
Valeria Golino as Yakinthi Callas
Alessandro Bressanello as Giovanni Battista Meneghini

Behind the camera, director Pablo Larraín collaborates with screenwriter Steven Knight, whose work includes Peaky Blinders and Eastern Promises. The film’s visual storytelling is enhanced by cinematographer Edward Lachman (Far from Heaven, Carol), and the film features audio of Maria Callas’s original opera performances integrated into its soundtrack.

Plot deep dive

Maria delves into the final years of Maria Callas’s life, capturing her reflections on fame, love, and the sacrifices demanded by her art. The narrative weaves through her tumultuous relationships, her rise to operatic stardom, and the isolation she faced in her later years. The story is set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century Europe, with flashbacks offering insight into pivotal moments in her career.

The movie explores themes of freedom and identity, presenting Callas as a global icon and a deeply flawed individual seeking solace in her music. With its rich emotional layers, Maria promises to resonate with audiences, shedding light on the complexities behind Callas’s fame.

Critical reception and what we can expect

Angelina Jolie in and as Maria ( via Mubi/Youtube)

The trailer for Maria has been met with widespread acclaim, with many praising Angelina Jolie’s transformation into Maria Callas. Early reviews highlight the film’s poignant storytelling, lush visuals, and compelling performances.

Given the track record of its director and cast, expectations are high for Maria to become a standout biographical drama in 2024. As anticipation builds, Maria stands as a tribute to the timeless legacy of Maria Callas, inviting viewers to discover the woman behind the myth.

Edited by pshmueni