Movie Review: Maleficent 3: The Dark Fairy (2025)
“Not all darkness is evil. Not all light is pure.”
The iconic winged sorceress returns for one final flight in Maleficent 3: The Dark Fairy, the highly anticipated conclusion to Disney’s gothic fantasy trilogy. Directed by Joachim Rønning, this chapter is darker, more emotionally complex, and more mythologically rich than its predecessors—offering a satisfying send-off to one of Disney’s most fascinating anti-heroines.
Angelina Jolie reprises her role as Maleficent with commanding grace and depth. This time, the story sends her to the ancient lands beyond the Moors, where a dormant force known only as The Hollow Court threatens to consume both the human and magical realms. Maleficent learns that her powers are linked to this primordial darkness, and she may be the key to awakening—or stopping—it.
Meanwhile, Aurora (Elle Fanning), now queen and expecting her first child, must prepare her kingdom for war while trying to maintain peace between humans and fae. Her bond with Maleficent is strained as secrets from the past—and an ancient prophecy—cast doubt on the future of their alliance. Their relationship, always the heart of the series, evolves into something rawer and more bittersweet.
Visually, the film is breathtaking. From haunted forests twisted by forgotten magic to glowing skies lit by dragonfire, every scene is steeped in fantasy. The costume and set design continue to blend regal elegance with dark fairy-tale textures, while the orchestral score swells with emotion and dread in equal measure.
What sets The Dark Fairy apart is its tone: more mature, more introspective. Themes of legacy, identity, and sacrifice permeate the story. A key moment in the third act—where Maleficent must choose between ultimate power and ultimate loss—stands among the most powerful in the entire trilogy. Jolie’s performance here is nothing short of haunting.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Maleficent 3: The Dark Fairy is a bold and beautiful finale that leans into the shadows to reveal what true strength—and love—really look like. A dark fairy tale with a heart that still beats bright.
