Review of What Maisie Knew (2013) by Mj F — 09 Jun 2013
A frustrating take on Henry James' novel that confuses cliche for depth and can't figure out what it wants from its characters. Onata Aprile steals the show as the doe-eyed Maisie, and lighting up even the most painful of scenes to watch as she's shuttled back and forth between caretakers (sometimes not even her parents).
The script doesn't give enough for the admittedly talented cast to work with, instead invoking contrivances (Julianne Moore's aging rocker, Steve Coogan's high-rolling businessman) and oddities (the early fights seem mundane, Moore's language with Maisie).
The scenes crafted with tenderness tend to be the most impactful, such as when the nanny tries to explain to Maisie that she's going to be moving in with Maisie's father. The rest of it is just missed opportunity.
This review of What Maisie Knew (2013) was written by Mj F on 09 Jun 2013.
What Maisie Knew has generally received very positive reviews.
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