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Netflix continues to solidify its position as a dominant force in the streaming world by acquiring exclusive rights to high-profile films. This time, the streaming giant has secured the U.S. streaming rights for Maria, a biopic about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, directed by the acclaimed Pablo Larraín and starring Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie. As the film makes its debut at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, excitement is building among cinephiles and opera fans alike. Let’s dive into what makes this acquisition such a significant event in the entertainment industry.
The Genius Behind ‘Maria’
Who is Pablo Larraín?
Pablo Larraín is a name synonymous with intense, character-driven storytelling. The Chilean director has garnered global acclaim for his work on films like Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021), both of which explore the lives of iconic women. With Maria, Larraín continues this trend, offering a creative imagining of the life of Maria Callas, one of the most famous opera singers of all time. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and psychological depth, Larraín promises a film that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
The Cinematic Vision of ‘Maria’
Cinematography plays a crucial role in bringing Larraín’s vision to life. Academy Award nominee Edward Lachman, known for his work on El Conde and Carol, helms the cinematography for Maria. Lachman’s expertise ensures that the film not only tells a compelling story but also captivates the audience visually, creating a rich, immersive experience.

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas
Angelina Jolie’s Transformation into Callas
Angelina Jolie, one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, takes on the role of Maria Callas in what promises to be a performance of a lifetime. This role marks her second collaboration with Netflix, following her directorial venture First They Killed My Father (2017). Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is expected to be a deep dive into the psyche of a woman who was both revered and tormented by her art.
The Significance of the Role
Taking on the role of Maria Callas is no small feat. Callas was not only a vocal powerhouse but also a figure of immense emotional complexity. Angelina Jolie ability to channel this complexity is what makes her an ideal choice for the role. Her performance is set to explore the struggles Callas faced in her later years, particularly as she grappled with the loss of her vocal prowess and her search for personal identity.
The Supporting Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble
Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, and More
Alongside Jolie, Maria features a stellar supporting cast, including Academy Award nominee Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Valeria Golino. Each of these actors brings a unique energy to the film, enriching the narrative with their nuanced performances. This ensemble cast is expected to deliver a memorable, emotionally charged experience that complements Angelina Jolie lead performance.
The Narrative: A Journey into the Psyche
A Focus on the 1970s
Maria is set in the 1970s, a period marked by significant change and turmoil in Callas’ life. The film zeroes in on the later years of her career, a time when she was striving to reclaim the defining quality of her voice that had begun to fade. This narrative choice allows for a deep exploration of Callas’ internal struggles, making Maria more than just a biopic—it’s a psychological portrait of an artist at the crossroads of her life.
Steven Knight’s Screenwriting Brilliance
The screenplay for Maria is penned by Steven Knight, an Academy Award nominee known for his work on Peaky Blinders and Dirty Pretty Things. Knight’s script is expected to be as compelling as it is poignant, offering a layered narrative that does justice to Callas’ complex personality and turbulent life. His collaboration with Larraín promises a film that is both intellectually and emotionally engaging.

The Film’s Premiere at the Venice Film Festival
A Grand Debut
Maria made its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, a platform known for showcasing some of the most anticipated films of the year. The festival, which kicks off today, is the perfect venue for Maria’s debut, offering the film a prestigious stage to introduce itself to the world. The buzz surrounding the film at Venice is already palpable, with critics and audiences eager to see how Larraín and Angelina Jolie have brought the life of Maria Callas to the screen.
Showcase at the New York Film Festival
Following its Venice debut, Maria is also set to be showcased at the New York Film Festival, further cementing its status as a must-see film this year. The film’s inclusion in these top-tier festivals is a testament to its quality and the expectations surrounding it.
Netflix’s Strategic Acquisition
Why Netflix?
Netflix’s acquisition of Maria for U.S. streaming rights is a strategic move that highlights the platform’s commitment to offering high-quality, exclusive content. By securing Maria, Netflix continues to build a library of films that are not only entertaining but also culturally and artistically significant.
Exclusive U.S. Streaming Rights
Currently, Maria is planned for release only in the United States, with no confirmed distributors for other regions. This exclusivity makes it a highly anticipated release for American audiences and adds to the film’s allure. The fact that Netflix has chosen to focus on the U.S. market for this release speaks to the film’s potential impact.
Pablo Larraín’s Collaboration with Netflix
A Successful Partnership
Maria marks the seventh collaboration between Pablo Larraín and Netflix, following the success of El Conde and the upcoming In Her Place. This ongoing partnership underscores the mutual respect and shared vision between the director and the streaming platform. Larraín has expressed his excitement about working with Netflix again, calling Maria his most personal work to date.
Exploring Iconic Women through Film
Larraín’s recent films have consistently focused on iconic women, and Maria is no exception. His ability to portray these women’s inner lives with sensitivity and depth has set his work apart. With Maria, he continues to explore themes of identity, voice, and the personal cost of fame, making his films both timely and timeless.
The Technical Brilliance Behind ‘Maria’
Edward Lachman’s Cinematography
Edward Lachman’s role as the film’s cinematographer cannot be overstated. His previous work on films like Carol and El Conde showcases his ability to create visually stunning narratives that enhance the storytelling. For Maria, Lachman’s cinematography is expected to be a key element in conveying the emotional depth and psychological complexity of the story.
A Runtime That Promises Depth
With a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes, Maria is designed to be a thorough exploration of its subject matter. This duration allows the film to delve deeply into Callas’ life, providing audiences with a rich, layered experience that goes beyond the surface.
Angelina Jolie’s Second Netflix Collaboration
First They Killed My Father: A Look Back
Angelina Jolie first collaboration with Netflix was the critically acclaimed First They Killed My Father, a film that showcased her talent as a director. This previous project set a high bar, and her role in Maria is expected to further solidify her relationship with the streaming giant.
What This Means for Angelina Jolie Career
Taking on the role of Maria Callas represents a significant moment in Angelina Jolie career. Known for her ability to tackle complex characters, this role allows her to explore new depths as an actress. Her performance in Maria could very well be one of the defining moments of her career.
Audience Expectations and Anticipation
What Critics Are Saying
The buzz surrounding Maria is already significant, with critics eagerly awaiting its release. The combination of Larraín’s direction, Angelina Jolie performance, and the film’s compelling narrative has set high expectations. Early reviews from its festival premieres will likely shape the anticipation leading up to its Netflix release.
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Will You Watch ‘Maria’ on Netflix?
With all the excitement building around Maria, the big question is: will you be tuning in? For fans of opera, biopics, or simply great filmmaking, Maria is shaping up to be a must-watch. Netflix’s exclusive rights to the film mean that it will likely be a major talking point once it hits the platform.
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Conclusion
In Maria, Netflix has not only secured a film with immense artistic and cultural value but also a project that has the potential to be a major success. The collaboration between Pablo Larraín and Angelina Jolie, combined with the film’s rich narrative and stunning cinematography, makes it one of the most anticipated releases of the year. As we wait for its official release date, one thing is clear: Maria is set to make a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
FAQs
1. What is the release date for Maria on Netflix?
As of now, the official release date for Maria on Netflix has not been announced. The film is currently planned for release only in the United States.
2. Who plays Maria Callas in the movie?
Angelina Jolie portrays Maria Callas in Maria. Her performance is highly anticipated given her previous work and the complexity of the role.
3. Has Maria been shown at any film festivals?
Yes, Maria made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and will also be showcased at the New York Film Festival.
4. Who directed Maria?
The film is directed by Pablo Larraín, known for his work on films like Jackie and Spencer.
5. Is Maria available for streaming outside the United States?
Currently, Maria is set to stream exclusively on Netflix in the United States. There is no information yet on its availability in other regions.
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