Angelina Jolie’s “Maria” Review: A Lush, Haunting Opera Portrait

Angelina Jolie’s powerful turn as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s “Maria” offers a haunting, atmospheric dive into the opera legend’s troubled genius.

Angelina Jolie’s “Maria”: A Lush, Haunting Portrait of Opera Legend Maria Callas

When a filmmaker like Pablo Larraín, celebrated for his intimate, haunting biopics like Jackie and Spencer, takes on the life of Maria Callas, one of the 20th century’s greatest opera singers, expectations run high. In “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie, Larraín crafts a lush, melancholic portrait not just of an artist, but of a woman unraveling under the weight of fame, heartbreak, and fading legacy.

A Woman in Decline, a Stage That Never Let’s Go

“There is no life away from the stage. The stage is in my mind,” Maria Callas murmurs in the opening moments of the film. This sentiment becomes the heart of the narrative. Jolie’s portrayal captures Callas as a woman trapped between past glories and present ghosts. Set in the late 1970s, the film’s framing device—a week before her death—places Callas alone in her ornate Paris apartment, lost in memories and under the haze of prescription drugs.

Rather than presenting a straightforward biopic, Larraín leans into psychological drama. We see Callas interacting with a young interviewer, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, though the viewer quickly realizes these interviews are figments of her drug-fueled imagination. Through these imagined conversations, the film probes her fractured memories, childhood wounds, and lingering regrets, offering a layered look at what it means to be a living legend slowly slipping into obscurity.

The Shadow of Onassis and the Cost of Love

A major thread throughout the film is Callas’s stormy relationship with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. In real life, Callas famously left her husband, Giovanni Battista Meneghini, for Onassis, only to find herself abandoned when he married Jackie Kennedy. Larraín and screenwriter Steven Knight use this relationship not merely as a biographical checkpoint, but as a symbol of Callas’s ongoing struggle for control—over her career, her heart, and her sense of self.

In a bitter twist, Callas, forced into singing by her overbearing mother, finds herself forbidden to perform by Onassis. Jolie’s portrayal expertly conveys this layered pain: the ache of an artist silenced, the sting of personal betrayal, and the burden of unmet expectations. “He wanted someone he could control,” Callas remarks, offering a poignant window into her despair.

Jolie’s Performance: A Career High

Although Angelina Jolie’s turn in Maria earned her a Golden Globe nomination but not an Oscar nod, critics widely agree this ranks among her most compelling performances. Jolie embodies Callas with a captivating blend of vulnerability and steely resolve, capturing the opera icon’s fierce intelligence, sharp wit, and simmering melancholy.

The role allows Jolie to stretch beyond her usual cinematic territory, diving deep into the psyche of a woman battling mental health challenges while yearning for artistic resurrection. While the script occasionally leans on witty, quotable lines at the expense of a deeper exploration of Callas’s inner turmoil, Jolie’s nuanced performance bridges the gap, offering audiences an unforgettable glimpse into the mind of a fallen star.

A Visual Love Letter to 1970s Paris

Visually, “Maria” is nothing short of stunning. Cinematographer Edward Lachman bathes every frame in warm, muted tones, conjuring the elegance of 1970s Paris with painterly precision. From the sweeping chandeliers of Callas’s apartment to the lonely streets outside, the atmosphere mirrors Callas’s emotional isolation.

Larraín’s careful pacing and visual style create an atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. But one of the film’s most striking touches comes at the end: real-life archival footage of Maria Callas herself, vibrant and alive in a way the film’s somber portrayal rarely shows. This final montage reminds viewers that beneath the melancholy, there once was a woman filled with life, passion, and unmatched artistic fire.

Contextualizing Callas’s Struggles in Today’s Celebrity Culture

Though set nearly 50 years ago, “Maria” resonates powerfully in today’s age of celebrity burnout. Studies show that artists and performers experience rates of depression and anxiety far higher than the general population—a sobering reality that Callas’s story foreshadows. A 2024 research paper published in the Journal of Creative Arts Mental Health found that over 60% of performers surveyed reported mental health struggles linked to the pressure of public life.

Larraín’s film, then, feels like more than just a period piece; it becomes a cautionary tale about the emotional cost of fame and the societal tendency to consume and discard its stars. Jolie’s Callas emerges as both a symbol of timeless artistic excellence and a reminder of the fragility behind the curtain.

Where the Film Falters

Despite its many strengths, “Maria” occasionally stumbles in its narrative focus. While the imagined interviews offer a fascinating window into Callas’s mind, they also limit the story’s dynamism, making parts of the film feel more like an elegant mood piece than a driving narrative. Some critics have noted that the script could have dug deeper into her artistic process or expanded on her relationship with the opera world, offering more insight into how she wrestled with her declining voice and reputation.

Final Verdict: A Haunting, Hypnotic Portrait

Ultimately, “Maria” stands as a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant film that prioritizes atmosphere over conventional drama. Angelina Jolie’s performance anchors the film, delivering a portrayal that is both majestic and heartbreakingly human. Larraín’s direction, paired with Lachman’s cinematography, transforms the film into a hypnotic exploration of memory, regret, and the indelible mark left by a singular voice.

For viewers willing to surrender to its quiet intensity, “Maria” offers a moving meditation on the price of greatness and the ghosts that accompany it. While it may not satisfy those seeking a more plot-driven biopic, it rewards audiences with a haunting, poetic experience that lingers long after the final note fades.

Where to Watch

“Maria” is currently streaming on Lionsgate Play. For those eager to dive deeper into the life and legacy of Maria Callas, the streaming platform also offers related documentaries and archival footage that provide a richer historical context.

(Disclaimer:  This article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects the journalist’s analysis based on available information and does not represent the official views of the filmmakers or associated companies. All film rights belong to their respective owners.)

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