Wondering if Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical on Netflix is ok for kids? This delightful musical has just enough scary without giving nightmares to everyone. The frightening Miss Trunchbull may have children quivering, but the musical numbers are fantastic. Here’s what parents need to know in this Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Parents Guide.
Photo: Netflix
Matilda the Musical (2022) Parents Guide – Is it Kid Friendly?
An extraordinary girl, Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) has a sharp mind and vivid imagination, but has awful parents who treat her like she doesn’t exist. They are loud, selfish and unkind and Matilda is a quiet observer, who loves reading and losing herself in her stories. However, she also thinks of small acts of rebellion and revenge, because two wrongs don’t make a right…until they do.
When she is finally allowed to go to school, she encounters the scary headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson), but she takes a daring stand to change her story.
Age Rating: Why is Matilda (2022) Rated PG?
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is Rated PG for thematic elements, exaggerated bullying, and some language which means come content may not be suitable for all kids.
Language in Matilda the Musical
There isn’t profanity in Matilda, but there is a use of hell and a lot of insults used like floozy, maggots, stupid, disgusting little gargoyle, etc.
Mature Content: Is Matilda the Musical Too Scary for Kids?
There are some scary elements in Roald Dahl’s Matilda (2022) including a mean headmistress who insults children and threatens them. Some scenes are scary and dark and could be too much for little children.
In one scene Miss Trunchbull grabs a girl by her pigtails and throws her over a wall.
She also emotionally abuses children and makes cages with spikes and threatens them with the chokey, a closet with rusty nails where children can’t sit down.
Miss Trunchbull calls children names and refers to them as maggots. Another scary scene involves chains.
Matilda’s parents are not kind to her and also call her names, insult her, and treat her like a burden.
Photo: Netflix
Is Matilda the Musical Appropriate for Kids Under 10?
In Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, you can expect an emotional, sometimes dark story, but it also has moments of greatness, triumph, and an incredible cast. To sum it up, Matilda the Musical is kid friendly for most ages, but there are things to watch for with younger children that could be upsetting.
If you’re going to compare this version of Matilda with the 1996 film, then you’ll find some difference including a slightly less terrorizing Miss Trunchbull, a less sassy Matilda, and a more mild Miss Honey. However, I loved all the portrayals of the characters in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical.
You can’t help feel empathy for the kids in story, especially Matilda, when they are mistreated and abused. And when the rebellion comes, you’ll cheer and root for them! What a talented group of children. Weir is sensational as Matilda with a childlike innocence, but enough cheekiness to get the job done.
The vibrancy of the musical numbers is incredible and it’s no wonder the last dancing scene has gone viral with many on TikTok emulating the moves and spirit of those kids. While Matilda the Musical can get a little dark, it’s balanced out with caring individuals willing to help make a difference. No matter your background, you can change your outcome.
