A re-imagining of Henry James’ 1897 novel, this unflinching account of divorce and familial dysfunction, from the perspective of a young girl, is intimate and highly captivating.
Young Onata Aprile is mesmerising as six-year-old Maisie, only child of rock singer Susannah (Julianne Moore) and art dealer Beale (Steve Coogan.) These two deeply selfish individuals are on the verge of divorcing. As the custody battle for Maisie turns vitriolic, she becomes collateral damage in their emotional warfare.
Directors Scott McGhee and David Siegel capture what it must feel like to be at the centre of a ‘tug of love’. The manipulation can be difficult to watch. Nonetheless, Moore brings intelligence and depth to the damaged Susannah, while Coogan balances his character’s smarminess with an endearing playfulness.
What Maisie Knew tells us that if your home collapses, you may have to abandon weak foundations to save yourself.