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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To find Matilda hard to watch?

246 replies

susiesuelou · 27/12/2022 09:59

I know it's just a work of fiction for kids and that it all comes good in the end for Matilda, but I've been watching it this morning whilst toddler DD naps and it's struck me just how horrible it is (the start especially). Particularly the part where she begs to be allowed books to read and the Dad holds her head and forces her to watch TV instead. Not being acknowledged by her mum when she comes in from school and wants to tell her about her day. 🥹

And don't get me started on the abusive practices of Miss Trunchbull! Particularly force feeding chocolate cake to that boy! I actually skipped through that part.

I've watched it before but never really watched it, if that makes sense. And it's just left an uncomfortable feeling.

AIBU? Am I too sensitive? I know the answer is probably yes, as it's just a film after all. But has anyone else had similar discomfort watching it?

OP posts:
BakedTattie · 27/12/2022 10:01

That’s literally the whole point of the film.

you are being too sensitive. But Atleast you know. Just turn it off?

Ostryga · 27/12/2022 10:02

It’s meant to be uncomfortable, that’s the whole point. But it all turns out lovely in the end, which is also the whole point.

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susiesuelou · 27/12/2022 10:03

Oh I know it's the point of it. I think it's the first time I've properly taken notice of it though, if that makes sense. The ending is lovely though when she finds a loving home with Miss Honey, so maybe I'll just focus on that part!

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MajorCarolDanvers · 27/12/2022 10:03

I don't enjoy anything by Ronald Dahl for this reason.

Ostryga · 27/12/2022 10:05

MajorCarolDanvers · 27/12/2022 10:03

I don't enjoy anything by Ronald Dahl for this reason.

Anything?! Not even the Twits? That’s a great story and very fulfilling at the end Grin

DontMakeMeShushYou · 27/12/2022 10:05

You're being too sensitive. It's a Roald Dahl story. None of his stories are cute and fluffy, they all include slightly difficult themes.

BakedTattie · 27/12/2022 10:05

Most if not all, roald Dahl stories have some sort of child abuse, nasty parents/neighbours/relatives in them.
its just a victim/villain story.

Rowthe · 27/12/2022 10:05

Dont worry.

Most of what you're thinking is adult thoughts.

Most of that goes over the kids heads .
They just enjoy it for what it is.

My kids love that movie.

SuperGinger · 27/12/2022 10:06

I think the comic genius of the books is entirely lost in the films which are both pretty bad in my opinion.

whatwouldAnnaDelveydo · 27/12/2022 10:06

I agree with you, OP. I think all Roald Dahl stories are weird in a bad way. Matilda crosses a line in my opinion.

picklemewalnuts · 27/12/2022 10:06

RD books are awful. He was a nasty man, I believe, and it shows.

Rotherweird · 27/12/2022 10:07

I agree with you, I saw it on stage recently and also felt uncomfortable. It seems quite dated to have trauma as the premise of a comic story. Also not a fan on Roald Dahl.

whatwouldAnnaDelveydo · 27/12/2022 10:08

picklemewalnuts · 27/12/2022 10:06

RD books are awful. He was a nasty man, I believe, and it shows.

I think the same thing. I feel he was a horrible person.

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susiesuelou · 27/12/2022 10:08

Rowthe · 27/12/2022 10:05

Dont worry.

Most of what you're thinking is adult thoughts.

Most of that goes over the kids heads .
They just enjoy it for what it is.

My kids love that movie.

This is very true! Thank you that reminder. I was just thinking to myself when DD is old enough she's not watching this! But your point is a good one - she will likely not be disturbed by it in the way I have been as a parent.

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aoibhacado · 27/12/2022 10:09

don't worry, i feel like that too, but it will defo go over kids heads.

Jifmicroliquid · 27/12/2022 10:10

I always get the impression that RD hated children!

Matilda is a great film, but I do agree the start is actually quite hard to watch, as an adult. Kids won’t get too upset about it though.

DigitalTranny · 27/12/2022 10:10

Ronald Dahl must have been some sadistic psycho because suffering, neglected and abused children is a common recurring theme in his books. E.g. Charlie and the chocolate factory, James and the Giant peach etc..

SarahAndQuack · 27/12/2022 10:10

I think if you find it uncomfortable, no one should be sneering at you.

I don't think it necessarily does go over children's heads, either. My parents were not in the least like Matilda's parents in any way whatsoever (!), but they were abusive, and I do remember dimly understanding that, for some reason reason, this book was telling me that was light-hearted entertainment no one would take seriously, any more than they'd take seriously a headteacher force-feeding you chocolate. Not a great lesson TBH.

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susiesuelou · 27/12/2022 10:10

whatwouldAnnaDelveydo · 27/12/2022 10:06

I agree with you, OP. I think all Roald Dahl stories are weird in a bad way. Matilda crosses a line in my opinion.

Yes! I've just been reminded of George's Marvellous Medicine - a book I read in primary school. I remember being freaked out by the grandmother in it even at the age of 9/10.

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aoibhacado · 27/12/2022 10:11

@DigitalTranny yeah, and i heard from somewhere he was violently antisemitic

MilkyYay · 27/12/2022 10:11

Ive been reading a lot of roald dahl lately and struggling with a lot of the bits where kids are hit, or living in extreme poverty etc.

But i gave myself a bit of a talking to. We actually need to move away from this idea that kids should live in bubble. I think maybe it gives them a better sense of perspective to expose them, through fiction, to some things that are unpleasant or uncomfortable. There are messages here that children need to hear:

  • some people are very poor and its a deeply unpleasant experience (eg the descriptions when charlie is starving hungry in charlie & the chocolate factory).
  • not all adults are kind
  • bad behaviour or antisocial character traits can bring negative consequences

You do usually notice Roald Dahl balances this with:

  • kind, selfless and thoughtful children come out tops
  • there are wonderful, good, kind, caring and exciting adults around to help
  • humour can make a scary or difficult situation less frightening
DuplicateUserName · 27/12/2022 10:11

I think most of us find child abuse hard to watch, don't we?

But like a PP said it's literally the whole point of the film.

But it does have a happy ending.

Funkyslippers · 27/12/2022 10:11

DigitalTranny I don't think you can assume that. Lots of authors have dark themes involving children, even Jacqueline Wilson

Reindear · 27/12/2022 10:11

I thought in the new musical film version the mum was even more mean and nasty than the original film.
however dd absolutely loves both films and the stage show and is always playing it on Alexa- it all goes over her head completely. She is 7

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susiesuelou · 27/12/2022 10:12

MilkyYay · 27/12/2022 10:11

Ive been reading a lot of roald dahl lately and struggling with a lot of the bits where kids are hit, or living in extreme poverty etc.

But i gave myself a bit of a talking to. We actually need to move away from this idea that kids should live in bubble. I think maybe it gives them a better sense of perspective to expose them, through fiction, to some things that are unpleasant or uncomfortable. There are messages here that children need to hear:

  • some people are very poor and its a deeply unpleasant experience (eg the descriptions when charlie is starving hungry in charlie & the chocolate factory).
  • not all adults are kind
  • bad behaviour or antisocial character traits can bring negative consequences

You do usually notice Roald Dahl balances this with:

  • kind, selfless and thoughtful children come out tops
  • there are wonderful, good, kind, caring and exciting adults around to help
  • humour can make a scary or difficult situation less frightening

All really good points! And yes the children do seem to come out on top in all his stories (well the ones I know of anyway).

OP posts: