Iām still trying to catch my breath, still absorbing the intricate beauty, and still processing the heart-stopping majesty of Maria. If I could, Iād ask for a moment of silence for Maria Callasāher life and her unparalleled commitment to music. But since Iām writing this in the solitude of my home, Iāll do the next best thing: plead with you to watch this film.
Letās start with the director, Pablo LarraĆn, whose choices shape the filmās mesmerizing flow and cadence. The framing of objects and characters is striking, every shot meticulously composed. The sound design is equally powerfulāthe echo of Mariaās heels against the floor, the deliberate alternation between close-ups and wide shots. Most haunting of all are the few moments of complete silence, where the absence of sound feels deafening. While many films rely on a sudden bang or thump to command attention, Maria uses silence as a weapon, drawing you in and amplifying every moment. If youāve seen Spencer, youāll recognize LarraĆn’s painstaking attention to detail here.
And then thereās Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas. Iāll admit, this film wasnāt on my radarāan oversight I now deeply regret. After seeing headlines calling her performance Oscar-worthy, I had to watch. And they were right. Angelina disappears into the role, delivering a performance that rivals the best: Daniel Day-Lewis in Lincoln, Margot Robbie in Suicide Squad. Every word, every glance, every tilt of her head is layered with emotion and nuance. Jolie isnāt on screenāonly Maria is. Justā¦ wow.
That said, this film isnāt for everyone. Maria is a āstop and smell the rosesā kind of experience. If youāre too caught up in lifeās hustle and bustle, you might miss the beauty it offers. But if you can slow down, put the phone away, and truly be present, youāre in for an unforgettable treat. Though long, the film feels fleeting by the end, leaving you with a bittersweet sense of wonder.
