The School for Good and Evil is a film adaptation of American author Soman Chainani’s hit fairytale hexology of the same name. Directed by Paul Feig, this enchanting adventure takes its viewers to a world of fantasy, friendship, and fun as it brings the magic from the books. 

The story introduces us to the gloomy Agatha (Sofia Wylie) and optimistic Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso), both from Gavaldon's village. Despite being opposites, the two best friends have a strong bond. In search of new stories to read, the duo visits Deauville’s Storybook Shop. The shopkeeper, Mrs. Deauville (Patti Lupone), shares about the School for Good and Evil (SGE), a school that trains heroes and villains to become the iconic fairytale characters people know today.

Later in the night, Sophie attempts to leave Gavaldon after desperately writing a letter to the SGE. As Agatha tries to stop her, a giant stymph snatches both girls and flies them to the school. Sophie is wrongly dropped at the School for Evil while Agatha is dropped in the School for Good. The duo is then stuck figuring out how they can switch schools while uncovering an evil mystery that lurks beneath them.

Characters coming to life

The production for this movie offers a star-studded cast to bring to life the fantastical characters of The School for Good and Evil. This includes the school deans, Lady Lesso (Charlize Theron) and Professor Dovey (Kerry Washington). Other cast members include the mysterious Schoolmaster (Laurence Fishburne) and beautification professor Emma Anemone (Michelle Yeoh). 

Furthermore, The Coven’s sinister members Hester (Freya Theodora Parks), Dot (Kaitlyn Akinpelumi), and Anadil (Demi Isaac Oviawe) are irresistible to hate as one would fall in love with their spunk and unique personalities. Prince Tedros (Jamie Flatters) also charms audiences with his dynamic character development and good nature throughout the film. 

Opening a new chapter

By immediately introducing the founding brothers Rafal and Rhian (both played by Kit Young), enough context is set by the movie about SGE’s roots and its role in Agatha and Sophie’s tale becomes clear.

Besides that, this movie does not necessarily create major changes that would significantly stray from its source. Feig often consulted Chainani in selections of book plot points to adapt and omit for the film. One notable example is how the Trial by Tale arc in the film is greatly cut down in terms of events, with the perspectives focusing on those from Sophie, Agatha, and Tedros. Despite these changes, Feig still does a decent job of capturing the crucial and fan-favorite plot points that contribute to the development of our beloved characters. 

Vibrant pages of friendship and destiny

Viewers see the importance of Agatha and Sophie’s friendship throughout the movie by envisioning their childhood, portraying their struggles, and the platonic love they share despite the misunderstandings they committed and mistakes committed. The film brings the same excitement and heartwarming feelings as the novel.

To add, The School for Good and Evil stresses creating your own story. Agatha and Sophie aim to carve their own path despite the expectations placed upon them by their peers and respective schools. They both challenge the norms and try to help students see that there’s more to life than fulfilling their destinies. 

Interestingly, most of the movie’s scenery was constructed and not reliant on green screens, making the experience more remarkable. Audiences can expect the extravagance of the costumes and sets in line with the movie’s fantastical story. Those going to the School for Good wear their gowns or princely attires, while in the School for Evil, students sport dark and villainous outfits complementing their ominous personalities. 

In terms of musical score and soundtrack, it was interesting to integrate popular songs such as “brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo and “you should see me in a crown” by Billie Eilish in show-stopping scenes. However, there could’ve been more fitting song choices that would have brought out the mood of such scenes and better accompany the story’s setting. 

Bumps in the journey ahead

Despite the wonder and spellbinding visuals of the film, the magic still falls short in some aspects. 

For its storytelling, its ending wasn't well-crafted as Agatha and Tedros make surprise changes in their decisions that do not align with their personalities and aren’t parallel to the narrative’s mood. One could say that there are a few repeated “sike” moments that would throw off a scene’s mood as a whole.

Several of the film’s side characters seem static and only develop abruptly by the film’s end. Including the likes of Beatrix and Hester only developing during the story’s resolution—side characters like them had so much wasted potential to leave a stronger impression.

Onto the next magical adventure

Overall, The School for Good and Evil summons enough magic and applause to delight both longtime readers of the series and newcomers alike. It materializes the dream-like fairytale from the original story while offering new paths to take in this unique adventure of a film. 

While the movie’s ending hints at a potential future tale that may adapt to the series’ second book, A World Without Princes, we just have to let fate and Netflix decide if we’ll see more of Agatha and Sophie again. Hopefully, we’ll get to know the stories about SGE’s other diverse characters and its enchanting world.

But for now, keep your feet on the ground and jump into Agatha and Sophie's journey to The School for Good and Evil, streaming only on Netflix.