Maleficent

The 2014 American fantasy film, directed by Robert Stromberg, is a reimagining of the classic "Sleeping Beauty" tale, focusing on the story of Maleficent (Angelina Jolie). Maleficent is a powerful fairy living in the Moors, a magical forest bordering a human kingdom. As a child, she befriends a boy named Stefan (Sharlto Copley), and their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship. However, over time, Stefan becomes ambitious and power-hungry, distancing himself from Maleficent. When King Henry attempts to conquer the Moors and is defeated, he promises his throne to whoever can vanquish Maleficent. Driven by ambition, Stefan betrays her trust: he drugs Maleficent and cuts off her wings, presenting them to the king as proof of her death. Devastated by the betrayal, Maleficent transforms into a dark fairy and erects a wall of thorns around her forest, turning it into a desolate place. Upon learning of the birth of Stefan's daughter, Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning), Maleficent curses the infant: on her sixteenth birthday, Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle and fall into an eternal sleep, from which only true love's kiss can awaken her. Stefan sends Aurora to live with three pixies—Knotgrass (Imelda Staunton), Flittle (Lesley Manville), and Thistlewit (Juno Temple)—to protect her from the curse. However, Maleficent watches over Aurora throughout her upbringing and gradually becomes fond of her, feeling remorse for her actions. When Aurora turns sixteen, Maleficent attempts to revoke the curse but fails. Aurora learns of her origins and the curse, returning to her father's castle, where the curse is fulfilled: she pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep. Maleficent brings Prince Phillip (Brenton Thwaites), hoping his kiss will awaken Aurora, but it proves ineffective. In despair, Maleficent kisses Aurora on the forehead, expressing her maternal love, which breaks the curse and awakens the princess. Stefan, consumed by vengeance, battles Maleficent but meets his demise. In the film's conclusion, Aurora becomes queen of the united kingdom of humans and magical creatures, while Maleficent restores peace and harmony to the Moors.