What Maisie Knew (2013)
Average Rating: 7.6/10
Reviews Counted: 36
Fresh: 30 | Rotten: 6
It's undeniably difficult to watch at times, but What Maisie Knew ultimately rises on the strength of its solidly sourced script, powerful performances, and empathetic direction.
Average Rating: 7.6/10
Critic Reviews: 16
Fresh: 13 | Rotten: 3
It's undeniably difficult to watch at times, but What Maisie Knew ultimately rises on the strength of its solidly sourced script, powerful performances, and empathetic direction.
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Movie Info
A contemporary reimagining of Henry James' novel, WHAT MAISIE KNEW tells the story of a captivating little girl's struggle for grace in the midst of her parents' bitter custody battle. Told through the eyes of the title's heroine, Maisie navigates this ever-widening turmoil with a six-year-old's innocence, charm and generosity of spirit.
Cast
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Julianne Moore
Susanna -
Steve Coogan
Beale -
Onata Aprile
Maisie -
Alexander Skarsgĺrd
Lincoln -
Joanna Vanderham
Margo -
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All Critics (36) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (30) | Rotten (6)
The film raises more uncomfortable questions about Maisie's uncertain future than it ever answers, but that's in keeping with the emotional honesty the filmmakers are striving for.
Top CriticWe experience her upsets without the leavening of outside interferences. And because Aprile is such an intuitive performer, we are always searching her face for the imprint of her suffering.
Some moviegoers may opt for an easier cinematic pleasure than this carefully crafted, discomforting look at familial misery in hyper drive, but it is the most provocative movie about parenting I've seen since The Kids Are All Right.
Yes, these people are cliches. But they know it. And so do the actors, who push past the stereotypes to slowly show us that perhaps these young and rather unimportant people are far more grown-up and involved than anyone else around them.
This is a fine idea for a PSA TV commercial, but (a) they already did it back in the '70s and (b) it goes on well past the 30-second mark.
"What Maisie Knew" lays waste to the comforting dogma that children are naturally resilient, and that our casual, unthinking cruelty to them can be answered by guilty and belated displays of affection.
Searing and sad, with Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan at their fiercely-unlikable best.
The film hits home thanks to a stunning performance by Onata Aprile. At age 7, Aprile has mastered the steepest challenge in screen acting: reacting in an engaging way.
It could make you angry, or open up old wounds, but in the best possible way. Let's get riled up, let's take it personally.
Most movies about divorce and fractured families play up the tumultuous melodrama, but What Maisie Knew goes for something much quieter and more profound. It's a subtly ambitious film that's smartly written, beautifully acted, and perfectly directed.
Wrenching drama about child custody can spark discussion.
Directing partners Scott McGehee and David Siegel go more mainstream and downstream with this modern-day, loose riff on Henry James' late-19th-century novel.
Cinema buffs should see this for the great performances all around, the way that New York feels when it's not being rushed, and for an overall tenderness that's most welcome.
The actors are all very good. Moore, in particular, has a frightening intensity. If Maisie can deal with this banshee, she's prepared for anything.
What Maisie Knew is an affecting movie right until the very end, but is it really worth breaking your heart?
It fails to bring much insight to what essentially amounts to a massive parental guilt trip.
A mesmerizing screen adaptation of a Henry James novel about parenting and the importance of a tender and nurturing love.
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May 3, 2013:
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The perspective it delivers on a child's almost unconditional ability to love is brilliant.