Maria marks the third film in Pablo Larraín’s exploration of complex leading ladies, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). Angelina Jolie steps into the role of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, where we follow her during the final week of her life. While the premise holds the promise of a modern masterpiece, the execution falls disappointingly short, making the missed potential all the more glaring.
The film follows Maria Callas during the final week of her life as her body deteriorates and her mind succumbs to hallucinations and delusions. In her isolation, she copes by recounting her life to an imaginary television journalist, whom she envisions accompanying her through her scattered daily routines. This fragmented structure mirrors her unraveling mind, offering a fascinating narrative frame for a biopic.
Rather than the conventional musical biopic that charts a star’s life and career, this approach feels more intimate and personal, promising an exploration of who Maria Callas truly was rather than a mere “greatest hits” retrospective. Unfortunately, Maria falters narratively by failing to commit to this potential. The film seems reluctant to delve into the complexities and controversies of Callas’ life, opting instead for a superficial portrayal that leaves the audience with only a surface-level understanding of La Callas.
The real tragedy of Maria isn’t just its shallow exploration—it’s that it’s outright dull. The film offers no meaningful insight into La Callas, and what little we’re shown feels hollow. We don’t truly witness the anguish of losing her voice or her struggle to reclaim it. Nor do we see her resilience in the face of the abuse she endured from her partners. These pivotal aspects of her life are left unexplored, replaced by repetitive scenes of Maria aimlessly wandering the empty streets of Paris or languishing in her apartment, consumed by sadness.
While Larraín has carved out a niche for character studies of melancholy women, Maria fails to go beyond surface-level despair. A woman simply being sad all the time is not a character study—it’s a missed opportunity to delve into her depth, complexity, and humanity.
Now that we’ve addressed the film’s shortcomings, let’s turn to its strengths. As with all of Pablo Larraín’s work, Maria is a visual masterpiece. Every frame is composed with the care and artistry of a painting, making the film a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is particularly striking, capturing the melancholic beauty of Maria Callas’ world with haunting precision. The interplay of light, shadow, and texture creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand, drawing the viewer into her fragmented reality.
The film’s costume and production design are equally remarkable. Each detail, from the luxurious fabrics of Callas’ wardrobe to the elegant yet solitary spaces she inhabits, evokes the grandeur and isolation of her life. These elements work together to transport us to the opulent yet lonely world of La Callas, where her iconic presence is matched by the visual splendor surrounding her.
Furthermore, as with all of Larraín’s leading ladies, Angelina Jolie fully commits to her role, embodying Maria Callas with a powerful and captivating presence. Her portrayal of the iconic singer in her final days captures the vulnerability and grace that defined Callas, and Jolie’s dedication to the character is evident in every scene.
However, her performance, while impressive, feels restrained—it leans more toward a skillful impersonation than a truly transformative portrayal. Despite Jolie’s best efforts, the film’s surface-level script offers little depth for her to explore, leaving her unable to fully immerse the audience in Callas’ inner complexities. Jolie’s talent shines through, but the material ultimately limits the impact of her performance.
Overall, Maria left me disappointed. It had all the ingredients to craft a compelling character study of one of the greatest opera singers in history, but instead, it prioritizes aesthetic appeal over meaningful character exploration. While the film captures beautiful visuals and an atmospheric tone, it ultimately sacrifices depth, leaving a shallow portrait where there should have been a profound exploration of Maria Callas’ life and legacy.
My Rating: C+
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