The film puts heavy emphasis on subverting classic fairy tale roles, transforming Maleficent from villain to misunderstood anti-hero. While this dynamic is interesting, it leans into the trend of recontextualizing villains with a heavy-handed ideological slant, overshadowing some narrative coherence in favor of a redemption arc based on modern values.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil challenges traditional family, motherhood, and masculine authority, suggesting they're a source of conflict or error. Standard villain tropes are laid on the 'old world' monarchy, while motherhood is depicted in an unconventional and all-powerful light. Classic cultural elements appear reframed to fit a more modern worldview.

Alternative worldviews rarely get nuanced exploration. Traditional values are mostly associated with intolerance or antagonism, and diversity of perspective is minimal. Almost all sympathetic characters ultimately rally around a unifying, progressive set of beliefs, with dissent shown as outdated or villainous.