Matilda Wasn’t Just a Movie — It Was a Revolution for Kids
When Matilda released in 1996, directed by Danny DeVito and co-starring Rhea Perlman, Mara was barely nine.
The story of a neglected but brilliant girl who discovers her own power hit home for millions — especially for kids who felt unheard.
Audiences saw the magic; Mara lived something more complicated.
Behind the whimsical sets, her mother Suzie was battling breast cancer.
During filming, Mara would visit the hospital between takes.
She later said, “Matilda’s story — a little girl trying to make sense of chaos — felt eerily familiar.”
Her mother died in 1996, just after the film wrapped. The movie was dedicated to her.
And after that, Mara lost interest in fame altogether.