The Long Plot, Sans Spoilers
Based on the fantasy book series by Soman Chainani, The School for Good and Evil follows Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso), a cute and bubbly seamstress, and Agatha A.K.A. Aggie (Sofia Wylie), a chill girl with wiccan vibes, who are the most unlikely pair in the village of Gavaldon. One day, a magical force brings the besties to the titular School for Good and Evil, where students are trained to become either storybook heroes (Ever) or villains (Never).
The school for Evers is run by the fairycore teacher Professor Dovey (Kerry Washington) while the Nevers are led by goth headmistress Lady Lesso (Charlize Theron). To the shock of both friends, Sophie ends up as a Never while Aggie is now an Ever. There must be some mistake, right?
To prove that Sophie is a good person, she must receive true love’s kiss. And so the search is on to find The One for Sophie. Will she be stuck as a Never forever?
The Short, Honest Plot
Tumblr-era dark and light academia on a fantasycore platter.
The Actors And Where You Last Saw Them
Sophia Anne Caruso as Sophie
The Broadway actress originated the role of Lydia Deetz in the Beetlejuice musical. (Yes, that’s her voice in the viral TikTok audio, “Say My Name”)
Sofia Wylie as Agatha
She was Gina Porter in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
Kerry Washington as Professor Dovey
She’s best known for playing the ball-busting Olivia Pope from Scandal.
Charlize Theron as Lady Lesso
She kicked butt as Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road and Andy from The Old Guard.
Michelle Yeoh as Professor Anemone
She’s portrayed so many badass roles including Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and most recently Evelyn Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Did You Know?
- Director Paul Feig’s visit to Budapest, Hungary, while filming Spy, got him into art nouveau, which was the main inspiration for the set design.
- Kerry Washington was drawn to the role of the cheerful Professor Dovey because it meant acting opposite Charlize Theron’s dark and edgy Lady Lesso.
- Charlize Theron and Paul Feig first worked together on the set of the sitcom Arrested Development.
- One of Kerry Washington’s favorite movies directed by Paul Feig happens to be Bridesmaids.
- Charlize Theron brandishes a cane as Lady Lesso. IRL, she kept breaking the walking sticks during filming.
What My Friend Thinks
“‘It’s not what you are, it’s what you do,’ is a line from the film that stuck with me and [is] probably one of its main themes. Beyond the impressive CGI, where we see frightening monsters, exquisite creatures, and gorgeous costumes, is a message to viewers to never let a person’s lineage be the basis of how we see them. The film will most likely hit the top spot in Netflix’s rankings when it drops.” - Ica Cheng
What I Think
Mouthwatering costumes, fantasy mommies, and shippable besties? Please take me back to school! And yes, I am using the appropriate adjective because I am drooling over all the fits. Whether the characters are ready to join the Black Parade or look like a fluffy floral cake, the drip will forever be legendary.
As an avid fanfiction reader, I think the movie hit all the classic tropes such as “childhood friends,” “hurt/comfort,” “angst,” “slow burn,” “friends-to-enemies,” and more. Sophia (Anne Caruso) and Sofia (Wylie) also share such great chemistry that I was rooting for them to end up together, forgetting all about the prince. (History may say that they were the best of friends. *winks*)
And while the drama mostly surrounds the students, I was hyper focused on the powerhouse professors portrayed by Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron, and Michelle Yeoh who not only commanded everyone’s attention in every scene but also had some funny one-liners themselves.
The story itself is nothing new and something we’ve already seen in other fantasy franchises. I also wish that the film was more overt in subverting heteronormative expectations. However, the gorgeous imagery, cast diversity, female representation, and shippable moments were enjoyable enough for me. And more importantly, the film emphasizes that being human is a complex experience and can’t be limited to a binary.
I’d Recommend It To…
- People who enjoy academia culture because you would so want to do a dramatic photoshoot in the hallways or get lost inside the school’s huge library.
- Cottagecore kids who will be into the Gavaldon look
- Former emo kids who still kept their skull tops and arm socks
- Cosplayers who will be digging the movie’s fashion choices
- People who thirst over hot villains (It’s our time to shine!)
- Viewers who admire powerful female characters (Step on me, maybe?)
- Fanfiction readers because there are so many shippable pairings
- Theater kids who are extra AF—Sophia Anne Caruso is definitely your energy.
The School for Good and Evil is now streaming on Netflix. There’s also an extra special scene at the end!
READ MORE HERE:
5 Reasons You NEED To Watch The Fantasy K-Drama 'Alchemy Of Souls'
10 Fantasy K-Dramas That Will Transport You To ~*Different Worlds*~
How To Get 'Cottagecore' Aesthetic, The Trend That Makes Us Want To Embrace Slow Living
