Review of Maudie (2016) by Shane B — 01 May 2017

Putting aside my disappointment at the thought of a Nova Scotia-based film being filmed in Newfoundland (thanks to Premier Stephen McNeil's gutting of our province's film tax credit...see ya at the polls on May 30!), it's a rare treat to watch a local story like that of folk artist Maud Lewis brought to life by established actors whose mere involvement will help promote the film to audiences abroad.

What makes a film like MAUDIE even more satisfying is that it's actually a damn good movie: a quiet, modest gem befitting its endearing subject. As the shy, arthritic Digby County native, English actress Sally Hawkins (a Oscar nominee for her supporting work in Woody Allen's 'Blue Jasmine') is sensational.

She virtually transforms herself into the role of the unassuming Lewis, expertly channeling both her child-like optimism and physical deterioration with equal aplomb. Ethan Hawke (who himself owns a small island off the coast of Nova Scotia) also shines as Lewis' gruff, taciturn husband Everett, while Aisling Walsh's thoughtful direction nudges the story along at a leisurely pace that might feel a tad slow for some but somehow feels appropriate here.

Still, this is Hawkins' film, and one hopes that her tour-de-force performance in 'Maudie' helps spread the word about the late painter, an inspiring figure who found beauty in the simplest facets of everyday life.