Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, the critically acclaimed 2022 family film starring Emma Thompson, is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The musical, which earned two BAFTA nominations, will remain on the platform until Tuesday, July 28.
Emma Thompson's Acclaimed Career
The 67-year-old actress, who won two Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, and an Emmy, was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for her contributions to drama. Thompson's notable roles include Henry V, Howards End, The Remains of the Day, In the Name of the Father, and Sense and Sensibility. More recently, she appeared in Cruella, Late Night, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, and two Bridget Jones films.
In 2026, Thompson joined Hugh Jackman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, and Brett Goldstein in The Sheep Detectives, considered one of the year's best films.
About Matilda the Musical
Directed by Matthew Warchus, who also directed the 2014 film Pride, Matilda the Musical is a fresh adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel. The story follows Matilda Wormwood, a neglected girl who develops psychokinetic abilities to stand up to her cruel parents and the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
The film features songs from the West End stage musical, which continues to tour the UK. Rising star Alisha Weir plays Matilda; she later starred in the horror film Abigail and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024. The cast includes Lashana Lynch (No Time To Die), Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie), Sindhu Vee (That Christmas), and Thompson, who is unrecognizable as Miss Trunchbull.
Release and Reception
Matilda the Musical premiered in the UK on November 25, 2022, and was added to Netflix in the US on Christmas Day. It was nominated for Outstanding British Film and Best Makeup and Hair at the 76th British Academy Film Awards. The film holds a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus stating: "Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical brings the classic story back to the screen with a delightful Emma Thompson, dazzling dancing, and a suitably irascible take on the source material."
Viewers can stream Matilda the Musical for free on BBC iPlayer until July 28.
