Beginning with a rush of action and conflict, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” the sequel to the first Maleficent movie, left me overwhelmed, but by the end, I was falling off the edge of my seat with my eyes glued to the screen. 

The set and characters appeared realistic and mystical, with the tiny fairies, extravagant gowns, and talking trees all with incredible detail. The filming of the enchanted forest and dreamlike castle created a dystopian appeal. The special effects had a large part in creating a successful movie, given that most of the characters had wings or were made out of plants. 

I was intrigued with the perspective of the Maleficent movies, which was based on Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent, the supposedly “evil witch”, was projected as a flawed heroine, with immense character growth and development. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” had very little to do with the plot of Sleeping Beauty, but still captivated my attention entirely. 

The movie battled with the decision to choose peace or violence. The movie showed there is no “good side” in war. It focused on the struggles that Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) has with her maternal love for Aurora (Elle Fanning), her inexperience with love and passion, and her newfound history. 

Angelina Jolie, playing Maleficent, personifies the dark fey as a strong, bold, and mysterious creature. Maleficent is selfish, but a selfless protector; she is strong, but loving; and fierce, but emotional. 

The movie shows the impending battle between the Moors, the fairy and mythical creatures, against the kingdom. The lovebirds, Aurora and Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson) are stuck in the middle of a war culminating through the historical segregation and manipulation of Queen Ingris (Michelle Pfeiffer). 

I loved the movie. After the initial shock of the action-filled beginning, I was fully engulfed by the movie, plot, drama, and details. It sprung tears from my eyes and laughter in my chest. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is better than the first movie; it is past the point of a children’s movie, containing violence and loss through the gruesome war. 

I recommend this movie to any Disney and fantasy fans. It works off the characters from Disney’s beloved Sleeping Beauty as well as including mythical and make-believe characters with incredible details. The movie surpassed my expectations I didn’t even know I had.