Unfortunately, her neglectful parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), are too wrapped up in their own little lives to care, or even to notice that their daughter is a budding genius. When the Wormwoods finally grant Matilda's wish to attend school, they bundle her off to Crunchem Hall, a bleak brick prison where students cower before principal Agatha Trunchbull (Pam Ferris).

Amid Crunchem's darkness, Matilda finds a single light in warm-hearted Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz), the first-grade teacher who recognizes the girl's remarkable skills. This includes a very special talent that allows the spirited Matilda to turn the tables on the wicked grownups in her world.