The movie you’re looking for is “The School for Good and Evil,” a 2022 Netflix film that tells the story of two best friends who discover a magical book that changes their lives forever. This fantasy adventure film, based on the young adult novels by Soman Chainani, offers a fresh and imaginative take on classic fairy tale storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages.
The film begins in a small village where nothing magical ever happens, a place so ordinary that magic seems like nothing more than a distant dream. Two best friends named Agatha and Sophie live in this unremarkable town, going about their daily lives without any indication that their world is about to be turned upside down. Everything changes when they discover a mysterious magical book, an object that serves as the gateway to an entirely different realm filled with wonder, danger, and destiny.
Once the girls discover this enchanted book, they are swept away from their ordinary village and transported to the School for Good and Evil, a legendary institution where the heroes and villains from fairy tales are not just stories but real figures of history. This school exists in a magical world completely separate from the mundane reality they knew, a place where the rules of nature and logic work differently. The school itself is divided into two distinct institutions, each with its own purpose and philosophy.
The twist that makes this story particularly interesting is how the school sorts the two friends. Sophie, who had always imagined herself as a princess or hero, is placed in the School for Evil. Agatha, on the other hand, who never considered herself special or destined for greatness, is assigned to the School for Good. This reversal of expectations becomes the central conflict of the film, forcing both characters to question their identities, their friendship, and what it truly means to be good or evil.
The magical book serves as more than just a plot device to transport the characters to this new world. It represents the power of destiny, the idea that some forces in the universe are beyond our control and can redirect our lives in unexpected ways. The book becomes a symbol of how life can surprise us, how our assumptions about ourselves and others can be completely wrong, and how we must adapt when reality doesn’t match our expectations.
The film explores themes that resonate deeply with young adult audiences and anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or out of place. It asks fundamental questions about identity, friendship, and whether people can truly change who they are. The story suggests that being good or evil is not necessarily determined by appearance, background, or even what others believe about you. Instead, it’s about the choices you make and how you treat others.
The School for Good and Evil has generated significant interest in the entertainment industry because the source material consists of eight books in the series. This means there is substantial potential for the film franchise to continue and expand, bringing more stories from Chainani’s universe to the screen. The first movie premiered on Netflix two years before the current date, establishing a foundation for what could become a major film series.
The production design and world-building in the film are particularly noteworthy. The magical school itself is a character in the story, with its own history, rules, and atmosphere. The filmmakers created a visually stunning environment that brings the fairy tale world to life, making it feel both fantastical and believable within the context of the story. The contrast between the ordinary village where the story begins and the magical school where most of the action takes place emphasizes how dramatically the characters’ lives change.
The cast and performances bring depth to what could have been simple character archetypes. The actors portraying Agatha and Sophie must convey the complexity of their characters, showing how they struggle with their new roles and how their friendship is tested by their separation into different schools. The supporting cast, including teachers and other students at the schools, help flesh out the magical world and create a rich environment for the story to unfold.
The film’s approach to fairy tales is refreshingly different from traditional adaptations. Rather than simply retelling classic stories, it reimagines them by suggesting that the heroes and villains we know from fairy tales are real historical figures who attended this school. This concept opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and allows the filmmakers to play with audience expectations about who is truly good and who is truly evil.
The magical book that sets the entire story in motion represents the intersection of fate and choice. While the book brings the characters to the school, what they do once they arrive is up to them. This balance between destiny and free will is a central theme that gives the story emotional weight and makes the characters’ decisions feel meaningful.
The film appeals to audiences who enjoy fantasy adventures, coming-of-age stories, and tales that challenge conventional wisdom about good and evil. It works for younger viewers who are discovering fantasy films for the first time, while also offering enough complexity and humor to entertain older audiences. The magical elements are presented in a way that feels accessible and understandable, avoiding overly complicated magical systems that might confuse viewers.
The success of the first film has left many fans wondering what will happen next in the franchise. With eight books to draw from, there is more than enough material to create multiple sequels that could explore different aspects of the magical world and introduce new characters and conflicts. The ending of the first film leaves room for continuation, suggesting that the story of Agatha and Sophie is far from over.
The School for Good and Evil ultimately tells a story about acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be yourself even when the world tries to put you in a box. The magical book that brings the characters to the school is the catalyst for their personal growth and transformation. It forces them to confront their assumptions about themselves and each other, leading to a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly good or truly evil. The film suggests that these categories are not as simple or clear-cut as we often believe, and that people are capable of surprising us in wonderful and unexpected ways.
