Monday 8 September 2014

What Maisie Knew - 2012 ****



Based loosely on the controversial novel by Henry James, this story follows sensitive and good-natured Maisie who is caught in the crossfire of her parents bitter separation. Her mother Susanna is a rebellious, 'living in the past rock' star who spends her life on tour and holding drunken, drug-filled parties in front of Maisie, and her father Beale is a distracted, unassuming yet flaky art dealer who becomes drawn to the maid Margo as means of a quiet contrast from Susanna.
Maisie may be young, but she's very receptive and extremely bright, and soon starts to pick up on her parent's unpleasant attitudes and name calling, putting her in a horrible situation where she is torn between them, and as time goes on, by their new partners who seem to show her more kindness and consideration than both her parents put together.
Onata Aprile is possibly the most adorable child who has ever graced the screen, and plays her part beautifully. It's almost painful to watch her having to see her parents be so nasty to each other.
Worth a watch for anyone who has been a child of divorce.  

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