Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) wishes to end up in the “good” school and become a princess, while Agatha (Sofia Wylie), is considered perfect for the school’s “evil” branch. However, after the two are whisked away to the destination, their expected roles are reversed, as Sophie is a “Never” student in the School for Evil, while Agatha is an “Ever” student in the School for Good. While the former is expected to train with Lady Lesso (Theron), the latter is supposed to work under the guidance of Professor Dovey (Washington).

This proves to be challenging for both girls, as they are disillusioned with the paths they are supposed to take, and are in turn determined to make their way back to each other and be reinstated to their rightful branches. There is an ever-present fairy tale element in the narrative, incorporating tropes such as True Love’s Kiss and the trope of proving one’s worth in order to step into a magical threshold.

Fishburne will be playing the school’s Head Master, while Yeoh will star as Professor Anemone. Blanchett, who acts as narrator, might reflect the tone of the character in the books, as the narrator in Chainani’s novel, while not unreliable, is one devoid of warmth, and often unpleasant in the way in which they describe the events that unfold. This is a deliberate decision, meant to evoke feelings of restlessness in the reader, and the viewer, with regard to the film.

“The School for Good and Evil” is slated for a September 2022 release on Netflix.