Sweet and bright little Matilda Wormwood, a child of wondrous intelligence, is different from the rest of her family. Misunderstood by everyone and ignored at home, she escapes into a world of reading, honing her skills, and exercising her mind so much that she develops telekinetic powers.
Matilda shares a home with her parents and brother, who do not appreciate her. When her principal tortures her and a kind-hearted teacher, she uses her telekinetic powers to settle scores.