A direction by Pablo Larrain with emphasis. A performance by Angelina Jolie that is stunning and emotional. Maria is a spellbinding film about the talent of an artist with a screenplay that displays honor and courage, Maria takes the appreciation of art and opera to a level that is truly committed. It is more of a reflection piece where feelings of sadness come around more than anticipated. Jolie dazzles by displaying talent and emotions in Maria.

As an avid fan of theatricals, Maria is a film where I felt the experience was much like a stage presentation. The story has a harrowing and sad nature. The presence of melancholy had me shaking with mixed feelings during the movie. Jolie plays Maria Callas, one of the most iconic opera singers of the 1970s. The film covers the good and bad times of her life while she tries to live out her days and seek fulfillment. She has an illness that is spreading through her rapidly. A young man, Mandrax played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, is doing a story on her. Maria attempts to find moments in her life story that she believes people will remember her for. At the same time, unfortunately, her days are numbered.

The film has some harsh moments when it explores the difficulty of facing reality. Maria’s relationship with her sister, Yakinthi Callas, who is played by Valeria Golino, makes us wonder how many close friends Maria really has. However, her butler Ferrucio Mezzadri, played by Pierfrancesco Favino, seems to go out his way the most for Maria. The film is dismissive in the matter of Maria making amends. Also, the director seemed to loop the opera in for dramatics much more than necessary.

With the turmoil and challenges of Maria, this is a story of her past and present actions and thoughts. With archived black-and-white footage used in many sad increments of the film—it is an auteur force of a poetic rollercoaster ride of empathy and hope. It features the concept of burned bridges, and talent seeming to be lost. In the end, the possibility of talent living forever proves possible in Maria.

The art of perspective is invigorating the end of Maria. It has a poetic vibe that flows smoothly in the review of a life full of ups and downs. Sadly, the melancholy continues and an essence of empathy that feels somewhat burdensome. Larrain’s approach with portraying disconnects take priority in Maria.

Opera is vast in Maria. An iconic life is celebrated. Amazing visuals and acting by Jolie. It lacks the fulfillment and is filled with sadness, but the story does not lie. Two-and-a-half out of four stars for Maria.