The moment I saw the trailer for the movie The School for Good and Evil, I didn’t hesitate to open it and watch it. As I recall, I read the book a few years ago, and this was a fantasy book that I loved so much. The contrasting war between the good and the evil hyped me even more. That is the reason why this movie boomed and became popular widely. The embedded moral lessons and twists of the story were mind-blowing. It was a story that possessed multiple subjects that were being addressed.
Would you risk everything you have for the sake of the good life you are wildly dreaming of, regardless of the potential harm to your one and only friend? This particular matter is what really hooked me on the movie and the book. It is not easy to let go, give your very best, and believe that you are the self you wanted to be. But what if it turns out that all of it is just an illusion that your fantasy is made of? It will become a deadly poison that gradually turns your wits to naught.
About the film
Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposing sides of an epic battle when they've swept away into an enchanted school where aspiring heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil. -IMDb
This movie was directed by Paul Feig, a well-known and respected American director. He also directed some of movies, like The Ghostbusters (2016) and Spy (2015). It was a screenplay by Paul Feig and David Magee. Of course, the movie was based on the book written by Soman Chainani. This movie is actually, in my opinion, one of the best films that Netflix released in October. The story of the adventures of these best friends is amazing and breathtaking.
The film began by showcasing the kind of life Sophie and Agatha had and how this life affected their mindset—that they had to move out. They want to explore beyond their village and experience the independence they fantasize about. They seemed happy, and their relationship was solid as a rock. However, a turn of events happened when they both entered the bookshop and learned about the tale of the kidnapping. Thus, what kind of magical event happens when the full moon happens? The journey of these two explorative young girls will begin.
The characters and their acting skills
Sophie (Sophia Caruso)
The movie will not be great and will come to life without the actors and actresses. Let us start with Sophie (Sophia Caruso); she was beautiful and talented. She was one of the main protagonists of the story, so she must be better than anyone else. I cannot get over her charismatic eyes and lips whenever she was afraid, acting cute, or boasting her strength. Sophie is a character who believes that when you get out of the place where you are, you will achieve a better life. However, her ideology didn’t match her heart, which was why she was having great trouble making her life’s decisions.
Agatha (Sofia Wylie)
Her character is the best and suits her well. She had this pleasing personality, and her glowing face made her fit for the role. Although she was the reason why Sophie’s life was put to the test, she gave her very best to protect and guide her friend. Agatha was a good, realistic, and selfless person. It reflects on how she made her decision and how impactful it was. I didn’t like the way she viewed friendship because I, myself, don’t want to be told what to do. I mean, it’s okay to get a friend’s opinion, but don’t cross the line. I can say Agatha was an important character that truly contrasted Sophie.
Lady Lesso (Charlize Theron)
Goodness! I cannot believe that they found a good actress like her for Lady Lesso. Although she was the director of the School of Evil, her intention to teach students was pure. I admired her tenacity to hold on to her belief that evil must stay and should be recognized. The more you get to know her character, the more you will understand why she stayed at the school. Her acting skill was superb and top-notch. I loved her costumes and tone of voice.
Clarissa Dovey (Kerry Washington)
The overwhelming grace and dignity were all coming from her. She was the definition of a good lady and set an example for her students as well. However, I do not like how she tolerated her students bullying each other despite the fact that they were in a school of good. On the other hand, she was passionate about staying on top of implementing the rules at the school, which became a hindrance to her mindset. I think she was a weak character in the movie.
What I realized about the film
Friendship will only work when both of you have the same goal despite taking different paths. The greatness of friendship doesn’t hold to the result of the action but embraces truth and reality. Sophie and Agatha’s friendship made me realize that despite the danger, risking your life, and going away with your family just to support your friend, you believed that you were the only one that she needed the most.
Sometimes believing that you are good or evil has a great impact on the inside. Nevertheless, everyone is good, and we have an evil desire that swallows the goodness within. It could take longer to push back against that evil, but in the end, you are the only one who has the power to control yourself. Don’t be greedy. Don’t assume that all the authority and power must be yours. We shall remember that great power comes with great responsibility.
Will I recommend this to all ages?
I think I will recommend this movie to those ages 13 and above. The movie has some unpleasant scenes and lines that children shouldn’t watch. However, if you are a young adult like me, you definitely shouldn’t miss this. Thus, to all the fantasy genre fans out there, you must watch this film. I’m glad that Netflix did justice to the book, and I'm looking forward to Part 2 if they ever have the plan to do so. Again, happy watching!