The School for Good and Evil (2022)
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Two best friends are sent to a magical school where their destinies are unexpectedly swapped.
The story
In the village of Gavaldon, best friends Sophie and Agatha learn of the legendary School for Good and Evil. Sophie, who dreams of becoming a princess, and Agatha, who is skeptical, are suddenly transported to the magical institution by a giant stymph. However, they are separated: Agatha is sent to the School for Good, while Sophie is delivered to the School for Evil. As they struggle to adapt to their new environments and navigate the complexities of their respective schools, their friendship is put to the test as they attempt to navigate the rules of the magical world and find their way back to their original lives.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Twin brothers Rhian and Rafal founded the School for Good and Evil to train heroes and villains. After a magical conflict, Rafal took Rhian's identity. In Gavaldon, friends Sophie and Agatha are whisked away to the school by a stymph. They are separated into the 'Good' and 'Evil' schools. Sophie tries to win 'true love's kiss' from Prince Tedros to switch schools, while Agatha faces the reality of her role. Under Rafal's influence, Sophie's appearance and personality change, and she becomes a leader among the 'Nevers'. During a 'Trial by Tale', Agatha saves Tedros, leading him to reject Sophie. Sophie, manipulated by Rafal, transforms into a hag and attacks the school. A battle ensues where the students' appearances magically swap. Sophie discovers Rafal's true identity as he tries to rule with her. She sacrifices herself to save Agatha, and Agatha's kiss of true love revives her. The schools are merged, and the girls return to Gavaldon, though a portal remains open between worlds.
- First release year
- 2022
- Runtime (minutes)
- 147
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Paul Feig
- Writers
- David Magee · screenplay; Paul Feig · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Sophia Anne Caruso · Sophie; Sofia Wylie · Agatha; Earl Cave · Hort; Laurence Fishburne · School Master Rhian; Michelle Yeoh · Prof. Emma Anemone; Jamie Flatters · Tedros; Peter Serafinowicz · Yuba; Rob Delaney · Stefan; Mark Heap · Professor Bilious Manley; Patti LuPone · Mrs. Deauville; Rachel Bloom · Honora; Cate Blanchett · the voice of the Storian
- Genres
- fantasy; children's fantasy
- Themes
- friendship; good vs evil; identity
- Tone and mood
- fantasy; over-the-top
- Setting
- A magical school for fairy tale heroes and villains, and the village of Gavaldon.
- Premise and plot tags
- fairy tale; magic; school
- Source material / true-story basis
- 2013 novel of the same name by Soman Chainani
- Franchise connections
- The School for Good and Evil
- Content notes
- magic
- Reception
- The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized the narrative and storytelling, but praised its cast and visuals. It was Netflix's most-viewed film during the week of its release.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 30 · scale: 100 · review count: 18
- Production trivia
- The film's style takes inspiration from Art Nouveau.; Over 800 costumes and 600 pairs of shoes were produced.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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