Angelina Jolie’s Comeback Film After 3 Years Now Streaming on Netflix: Awards Buzz for Her Performance

Angelina Jolie’s return to the spotlight in Maria marks a significant moment in her career, proving that her extraordinary talent remains intact, even after taking on less demanding roles in recent years. In this biopic, she breathes life into the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, delivering a performance that resonates as profoundly as Callas’s timeless recordings. Critics are already considering Jolie a frontrunner for the Best Actress award at the upcoming Oscars in 2025. While audiences may remember her from vibrant roles in films such as Eternals, Maleficent, and the Kung Fu Panda series, Maria stands out as a true testament to her exceptional acting abilities.

Jolie has previously shone in biographical narratives, notably her portrayal of Mariane Pearl in A Mighty Heart, which earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination. Her role as the troubled supermodel Gia Carangi also secured a Golden Globe, underlining her ability to embody complex, emotionally charged figures. Despite her accolades, Jolie’s sole Oscar win remains for her 25-year-old supporting role in Girl, Interrupted. Early reviews for Maria have lauded her sensitive and masterful approach to the character, hinting strongly at her chances for awards recognition this season.

Angelina Jolie’s Maria is Now Streaming on Netflix – Overview of the Film

Exploring La Callas’ Rise and Fall

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain's biopic, Maria.

Pablo Larraín’s Maria completes a trilogy of female biopics following Jackie and Spencer, making a distinctive mark in the genre. Jolie plays the lead role alongside an ensemble cast, showcasing her formidable talents in a narrative style that immerses viewers in a dreamlike experience. The film, now available on Netflix, unfolds as a blend of reality and fantasy, reflecting Callas’s internal struggles as she grapples with her fame and legacy in the days leading up to her death.

Initially portrayed in Callas Forever by Franco Zeffirelli in 2002, this new rendition dives deeper into Callas’s psyche. The story unfolds a week before her passing, oscillating between genuine memories and imagined elation. Jolie embodies this complex character as a once-great artist now haunted by the ghosts of her talent—one that brings her both joy and suffering. The film poignantly portrays Maria as a fading star, trapped in the echoes of her own extraordinary voice.

Why Angelina Jolie’s Performance of Maria Callas is Generating Awards Buzz

Jolie Embraces Callas’ Flaws and Grace

Receiving a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, Maria has been described as “daring and unconventional,”both in its storytelling and character representation (via The Hollywood Reporter). While the film’s cinematography and makeup draw from talented artists known for projects like El Conde and All Quiet on the Western Front, the standout element remains Jolie’s compelling portrayal. She embraces Callas’ enduring flaws, delivering a heartfelt interpretation that connects with audiences on multiple levels.

According to Variety, this role signifies a long-awaited opportunity for Jolie, one that fully showcases her exceptional commitment to her craft. She brings to life a morally ambiguous figure whose relentless ambition transforms into a tragic obsession, retaining a raw humanity that resonates deeply. The juxtaposition of Callas’ tortured psyche and her graceful, yet fragile, persona creates a complex tapestry that modern audiences are sure to appreciate. With Maria, Angelina Jolie revitalizes her career with a haunting performance that echoes her earlier iconic roles, garnering acclaim that is both well-deserved and long anticipated.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety

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