Streaming service Netflix has announced release dates for the new movie “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie as legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The film will first show in select theaters on November 27 before becoming available on Netflix on December 11.
“Maria” focuses on the later years of Callas’s life as she lived in Paris. It explores the struggles the artist faced as she grappled with her identity and impact. Director Pablo Larraín, known for movies about iconic women like “Jackie” and “Spencer,” aims to share a more complete picture of Callas beyond her fame.
The movie promises to feature an immersive performance from Jolie as Callas. Early reactions to “Maria” at its premiere at the Venice Film Festival included audience members giving it a standing ovation lasting eight minutes. Jolie’s portrayal led some to predict she may receive major award nominations, including for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Such recognition would mark a return to recognition on the awards circuit for Jolie, whose last Oscar nomination came in 2009.
Born in New York, Callas rose to stardom in Europe with her powerful singing voice and magnetic stage presence. She was renowned but also controversial at times due to her unpredictable behavior. “Maria” looks to understand the full story behind the legend, from her personal struggles to her lasting influence on opera. It was written by Oscar nominee Steven Knight and produced by Jonas Dornbach, Janine Jackowski, Juan de Dios Larraín and Lorenzo Mieli.
Prior to Netflix, “Maria” will screen at prestigious film festivals, including the New York Film Festival on September 29th and the AFI Fest on October 26th. This should help build buzz around Jolie’s performance and the movie’s potential awards success as the holiday season approaches. Opera and cinema fans alike will soon have a chance to witness Jolie’s take on the legendary singer when “Maria” premieres later this year.
