Review of What Maisie Knew (2013) by Justin J — 11 Dec 2013

As Maisie's story, it's a remarkably simple one and easily understood. Maisie is searching for love. She doesn't understand the complexity revolving around her parents, who can't make ends meet to support their child, and neither do we. We know how things should be, but wonder why others don't. Maisie is like a limp teddy bear being tugged and torn at the arms.

It's intriguing when the audience is more aware of Maisie's situation than she is. We have on one hand a window into the wide world and on the other a narrow slit through which Maisie experiences it. We, the audience, live in the world of deadlines and excuses, but sympathize with the child's uncluttered lens. Maisie lives in a bubble, a castle that the parents must help fortify, and in doing so lay the foundation, or construct the bridge, that is essential to Maisie's development.

The film teeters on the brink of tragedy, one that we have probably seen before. The film excels where it allows us to experience life as a child. It is exceptional to have a protagonist with such a minimal understanding of the world carry such a weighty story on her shoulders.