The story of Maleficent is primarily based on the classic fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty," but it has been reinterpreted and expanded upon in the 2014 Disney film "Maleficent" and its 2019 sequel "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil." Here’s a summary of the narrative as depicted in these films:
Background:
Maleficent (played by Angelina Jolie) is a powerful fairy living in the enchanted Moors, a magical forest filled with magical creatures. As a young girl, she is kind-hearted and free-spirited, forming a deep friendship with a human boy named Stefan.
Betrayal:
As they grow up, Stefan (played by Sharlto Copley) becomes ambitious and desires power. He betrays Maleficent by hurting her and ultimately cuts off her wings to prove his worth to the King, who is seeking to defeat the Moors and its magical inhabitants. This act of betrayal transforms Maleficent's kind heart into one filled with anger and vengeance.
Curse:
Years later, to celebrate the birth of Stefan's daughter, Princess Aurora (played by Elle Fanning), Maleficent places a curse on her: that she will fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday after pricking her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel, only to be awakened by true love's kiss. Maleficent's intent is partly revenge against Stefan but also reflects her deep sorrow over her lost friendship with Aurora's father.
Aurora’s Life:
Despite the curse, Maleficent watches over Aurora from a distance, observing her grow up in the care of three good fairies. Over time, Maleficent’s feelings begin to soften, and she grows to care for Aurora.
Redemption:
On Aurora's sixteenth birthday, the curse comes to fruition, and she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. Maleficent realizes that her actions were fueled by pain and betrayal rather than her true nature. In the climax, true love's kiss does not come from a prince, but from Maleficent herself, showcasing their unique bond. This act breaks the curse, awakening Aurora, and ultimately leads to reconciliation between Maleficent and Stefan, who has become a tyrant.
Sequel - Mistress of Evil:
In "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil," the story continues as Maleficent and Aurora's bond is tested by external conflicts, including political tensions between the humans and the magical creatures. Maleficent must fight to protect her new family and confront the darker aspects of her own nature, as well as face new adversaries.
Overall, the story revolves around themes of betrayal, redemption, and the complexities of love, challenging the traditional notions of good and evil. Maleficent is portrayed not just as an antagonist but as a tragic character with deeply rooted pain and the capacity for love and forgiveness.