What Maisie Knew – A Movie Review

I was invited to a media screening of What Maisie Knew and I received a signed copy of Julianne’s new book in the Freckleface Strawberry series. All opinions are my own.
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Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, What Maisie Knew is a fiercely powerful film told from the view point of 6 year old Maisie (played by Onata Aprile) as the world around her evolves tumultuously.
The film, What Maisie Knew is based on Henry James’ novel first published in 1897. Starring a cast of interesting characters (Julianne Moore, Alexander Skarsgård, Steve Coogan , Joanna Vanderham and introducing Onata Aprile as “Maisie”)  What Maisie Knew is a haunting emotional film about divorce and dysfunction from a child’s point of view.

Maisie’s parents, an aging rockstar and party girl (played by Julianne Moore) and businessman (played by Steven Coogan) are selfish, neglectant and going through a bitter divorce. Their selfishness, negligence and turbulent arguments force Maisie to grow up too quickly. Thankfully, the nanny turned step-mother (played by Joanna Vanderham) and bartender turned step-father (played by Alexander Skargsgard) end up being just what Maisie needs – stability and calm in an otherwise stormy childhood. Forced to make a decision, Maisie knew what to do.

What Maisie Knew was…better.

What Maisie Knew is a silently haunting film, set from the perspective of 6 year old Maisie and pulls at the heartstrings of parental guilt. It is emotional and endearing film that defines film making in its mirror reflection of real life best.

What Maisie Knew is unlike any other film I’ve ever seen. Since the film is set from Maisie’s child perspective, there are many things as a movie goer that are untold and unseen yet…understood. It was intriguing to see Julianne Moore in a less than ideal role and it was fascinating to watch Onata Aprile on screen. She was perfection. What Maisie Knew is a must see.

What Maisie Knew is in theaters now.