Angelina Jolie’s Latest Film "Maria" on Netflix: What You Need to Know

This fall, Angelina Jolie is set to make her return to the big screen in a new movie directed by Pablo Larraín. In this film, Jolie portrays the iconic 20th-century opera legend Maria Callas in a psychological drama titled "Maria." The movie delves into the final days of the Greek-American soprano before her passing in 1977.

Maria Callas was a celebrated opera singer known for her extraordinary talent and tumultuous life. Her story was marked by a complex relationship with her mother, public controversies that painted her as a diva, and a secretive romance with one of the wealthiest men in the world. In her later years, Callas withdrew from the limelight, living as a recluse in Paris until her death from a heart attack at the age of 53.

For Jolie, this role marks her comeback to acting following a hiatus from Hollywood, with her last appearance in Marvel’s "Eternals." In a recent interview, Jolie shared her deep connection to Callas, highlighting the pressures and challenges both women faced in the public eye. Jolie expressed admiration for Callas’s resilience in the face of harsh criticism and the toll it took on her personal life.

"Maria" premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August and is scheduled for a theatrical release starting on November 27, followed by its debut on Netflix on December 11. The movie’s trailer, released on October 24, showcases Jolie’s captivating portrayal of the enigmatic singer, capturing the essence of Callas’s passion for the stage.

Directed by Pablo Larraín, "Maria" is part of his "Great Woman trilogy," which includes cinematic explorations of influential female figures like Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana. Larraín’s meticulous approach to the film involved blending Jolie’s voice with recordings of Callas singing, creating a seamless and authentic portrayal of the legendary soprano.

In the movie, Jolie underwent extensive training to embody Callas’s posture, breathing, and singing style, performing with an earpiece to ensure precision in her vocal delivery. Larraín emphasized the importance of capturing Jolie’s physicality and nuances in her singing, blending her voice with Callas’s recordings to authentically depict the opera singer’s artistry.

As anticipation builds for the release of "Maria," Jolie’s performance is already generating Oscar buzz, with critics speculating on her potential recognition in the upcoming award season. With Jolie’s transformative portrayal and Larraín’s directorial vision, "Maria" promises to be a compelling exploration of Maria Callas’s legacy and the enduring power of her music on the silver screen.