Movie Review: Maleficent 3: The Dark Fairy (2025)
“Power comes with a price. And some wings were meant to burn.”
Returning for the third and final chapter of Disney’s dark fantasy trilogy, Maleficent 3: The Dark Fairy takes the series to its most intense and emotional heights yet. Directed by Joachim Rønning and once again starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic horned anti-heroine, this film is a bold, dramatic farewell that explores destiny, sacrifice, and the battle between light and shadow.
Set years after Mistress of Evil, the kingdom is on the verge of collapse as a dark magical force begins spreading across the land—one not even Maleficent can fully control. When Aurora is cursed once again, this time by a forgotten species of shadow-fae exiled beneath the earth, Maleficent must journey into the forbidden realms to confront the origin of her own powers—and face a terrible truth about who she really is.
Angelina Jolie delivers her most layered performance in the role yet—conflicted, powerful, and tragic. Her bond with Elle Fanning’s Aurora remains the heart of the film, but here it’s tested by betrayal, prophecy, and war. A new character—Seraphine, a fallen light-fairy played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw—adds intrigue and emotional tension, representing everything Maleficent could have been, or might still become.
Visually, the film is stunning. From cursed forests that move like breathing beasts to crystalline caverns filled with sleeping fae, every frame is dripping with fantasy and danger. The climactic battle in the sky—where Maleficent faces off against a corrupted version of herself—is pure visual magic, complete with fire, feathers, and devastating choices.
What sets this finale apart is its tone: darker, more mature, and willing to embrace the pain of growth. The film doesn’t shy away from loss, nor does it force a fairytale ending. Instead, it allows Maleficent to evolve—not just as a guardian or queen, but as a legend born of pain and power. And in doing so, she reclaims her own myth.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Maleficent 3 soars with emotion, spectacle, and purpose. A powerful, bittersweet farewell to Disney’s most complex villain-turned-hero.
