It’s been a long and grueling five years since we last saw Maleficent, but she’s finally returned to the screen, with more action, drama and love than usual. 

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is the sequel of the first movie, “Maleficent,” and continues the story of Aurora, played by Elle Fanning, and her godmother, Maleficent, played by Angelina Jolie. The hit premiered on Oct. 18 and became the number one movie in theaters, even beating “Joker.” 

Until recently, I didn’t even know a sequel was being made. I hadn’t even watched the trailer when I walked into the theater. I had no idea what to expect, but I came out feeling like I’d just watched the most magical and emotional Disney movie in a long time.

The opening scene begins with a narrator catching viewers up on what we’d missed since the last movie. As the narrator is speaking, the film follows the creatures of the Moors, as they prepare to surprise Aurora. The scene shows a pixie soaring through trees and dodging water droplets as it flies to its destination. I loved the cinematography and the filming of this scene. It felt like I was one of the pixies, flying around with the other magical creatures. Aurora had been named the Queen of the Moors, with Maleficent as its protector. Prince Philip, Aurora’s lover from the first movie, has decided to propose to her. Not only is this seen as an act of love, but it also will unite the Moors and the kingdom of Ulstead, who have been at odds forever and sees Maleficent as a villain. 

Maleficent doesn’t react well to the news of Prince Philip’s and Aurora’s engagement; however, she finds it in her to give it a chance. This scene showed a true symbol of the love Maleficent has for Aurora. Even though Maleficent had been heartbroken by humans over and over again, she trusted Aurora’s decision in wanting to marry Philip. 

During a family celebration dinner, several things occurred that put Maleficent at odds. Queen Ingrith would say or do little things that made Maleficent feel unwelcome, such as manipulating Maleficent’s weakness of iron and serving animals for the meal. Throughout this scene, I could feel the whole theatre staring intently at the screen and everyone holding their breath. I became anxious as I waited for what was to come, wondering if Maleficent would burst into flames. Things go downhill when Maleficent can’t contain her anger any longer. 

Maleficent flees the castle, leaving Aurora behind, but as she’s escaping, an iron bullet strikes her and she crashes into the river below. A creature pulls her from the water, however, and takes her to safety. It turns out to a creature just like Maleficent: a Dark Fae. I could feel shocked expressions on the people around me and even on my own. 

Unlike the first movie and how it focuses on the love between Prince Philip and Aurora, this film turns the attention to the relationship between Maleficent and Aurora. Maleficent is known as Aurora’s godmother, but through the past years, Maleficent has come to love Aurora as her daughter. Their bond is shown through how Maleficent wants to protect Aurora from everything, especially falling in love, and when Aurora worries about Maleficent when they’re separated. 

There are many critics who praised the film, while others were confused about the plot. I agree that the plot was a little confusing at times, but it didn’t ruin the entire movie. I honestly didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. The movie had me crying tears of sadness and joy. 

For an animated film, it amazed me how the cinematography and graphics were able to capture every little detail. Normally, I wouldn’t focus on that type of thing, but it really stood out

Throughout the movie, many different sides of Maleficent was shown. She goes through a lot of self discovery and learns more about where she came from. Angelina Jolie did an excellent job of portraying these different sides. She was able to be powerful and frightening while also being angelic and vulnerable. The overall acting of the film was wonderful. 

I had been deprived of a good Disney film, and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” was able to fill the gap.