Matilda is a 1996 American fantasy comedy film based on Roald Dahl's 1988 novel Matilda and starring Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood. It is co-produced and directed by Danny DeVito from a screenplay by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord. The film also features DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris in supporting roles. The plot centers on the titular child prodigy who develops psychokinetic abilities and uses them to deal with her abusive family and the tyrannical principal of her school.
Matilda was released in the United States on August 2, 1996, by Sony Pictures Releasing under their TriStar Pictures label. The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise being directed towards its faithfulness to the novel and DeVito's direction. Despite this, the film was a box office disappointment, grossing $47 million on a $36 million budget. However, Matilda subsequently attained greater popularity after being released on home video.
