What Maisie Knew Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A little girl gets a front-row seat to her parents’ messy divorce and accidental new family creation, basically a reality show for toddlers.

🍿 What Maisie Knew: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Custody Battle Begins

The film opens with Susanna, a rock star, and Beale, an art dealer, engaged in a bitter divorce. Their young daughter, Maisie, becomes a pawn in their increasingly hostile custody battle. Both parents are self-absorbed and prioritize their careers and personal lives over Maisie’s well-being, creating a chaotic and unstable environment for her.

New Marriages and Shifting Dynamics

In an attempt to gain an advantage in the custody battle, Beale impulsively marries Margo, Maisie’s nanny. Susanna retaliates by marrying Lincoln, a kind bartender and friend. These new relationships further complicate Maisie’s life, as she is shuffled between different homes and caregivers. Margo and Lincoln begin to empathize with Maisie’s situation, forming a bond with her that her own parents struggle to maintain.

Neglect and Found Family

As Susanna and Beale remain focused on their own conflicts, Maisie experiences neglect and emotional abandonment. She is often left in the care of Margo and Lincoln, who gradually become more responsible and loving figures in her life. Margo and Lincoln develop feelings for each other as they connect over their shared concern for Maisie’s well-being, hinting at a potential for a more stable and nurturing family unit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maisie (Onata Aprile): A young girl caught in the middle of a bitter custody battle between her self-absorbed parents.
• Susanna (Julianne Moore): Maisie’s mother is an aging rock star more focused on her career than her daughter’s well-being.
• Beale (Steve Coogan): Maisie’s father is a self-absorbed art dealer who uses his daughter as a pawn in his custody battle.
• Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård): A kind bartender who marries Susanna and becomes a caring figure in Maisie’s life.
• Margo (Joanna Vanderham): Maisie’s former nanny who marries Beale and develops a close bond with Maisie.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lincoln: “You don’t deserve her.” – Lincoln says this to Susanna, expressing that she doesn’t deserve Maisie because of her neglectful behavior.
• Susanna: “You don’t get a bonus for making her like you.” – Susanna says this to Lincoln, expressing jealousy of the bond forming between him and Maisie.
• Beale: “I’m moving to England, not only because of my work, but because my mother isn’t getting any younger.” – Beale tells Maisie, making excuses as to why he’s leaving her life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,066,471
• Worldwide Gross: $2,711,379

💥 What Maisie Knew Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into Maisie’s world. It’s so sad to see a child navigate the selfishness of adults. Onata Aprile’s performance is just incredible; she has this quiet strength that really gets to you. I especially loved the scenes with Alexander Skarsgård – he brings so much warmth to his role. I felt so protective of Maisie throughout the whole movie, and it definitely left me thinking about what it means to be a good parent. It’s one of those movies that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in family dynamics”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances”
  • “Readers of Henry James’ novels”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Divorce themes”
  • “Child neglect”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A poignant and intimate portrayal of childhood innocence amidst the chaos of adult dysfunction. Julianne Moore delivers a searing performance as a rock star mom.
• The New York Times: “A brilliant re-envisioning of Henry James. Onata Aprile’s subtle performance captures the fragmented world seen through a child’s eyes.
• Rolling Stone: “Heartbreaking and hopeful, with standout performances from Skarsgård and Vanderham as the unlikely caregivers.

Audience Reactions

Onata Aprile’s captivating performance as Maisie steals the show.: Viewers praise the film’s realistic portrayal of divorce and the emotional impact on a child.

Alexander Skarsgård’s portrayal of Lincoln is heartwarming and genuine.: The unexpected connection between Maisie and her step-parents resonates deeply with audiences.

Overall Consensus: A touching and insightful drama about a child’s resilience amidst the turmoil of her parents’ divorce, highlighted by strong performances and emotional depth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a modern reimagining of the 1897 novel of the same name by Henry James.”
• “Julianne Moore drew inspiration from Courtney Love and Patti Smith for her character, Susanna, a rock star mother.”
• “The directors chose to tell the story from Maisie’s perspective, often using shots from her eye level to give the audience a child’s-eye view of the events.”

🖥️ How to Watch What Maisie Knew?

What Maisie Knew is available for streaming on various platforms. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region. You can also find it for purchase on physical media such as Blu-ray and DVD from retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed What Maisie Knew, you might like these similar films:

• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Deals directly with the emotional impact of a custody battle on a child and the parents involved.
• Marriage Story (2019): Explores the complexities of a dissolving marriage and the effect on their child, though from the parents’ perspective.
• The Squid and the Whale (2005): Presents a raw and honest portrayal of divorce through the eyes of two young boys.
• Blue Valentine (2010): A brutally honest depiction of a marriage falling apart, revealing the impact on all involved.

🛒 What Maisie Knew Related Products

• What Maisie Knew (Blu-ray): Own the acclaimed film on Blu-ray for a high-quality viewing experience. Perfect for movie collectors and fans of the film.
• Henry James: What Maisie Knew (Kindle Edition): Read the original Henry James novel that inspired the movie, allowing you to explore the story in its original form and delve deeper into the characters and themes.
• Parenting Through Divorce: Helping Your Children Thrive: A helpful guide providing parents with strategies to support their children during divorce, focusing on maintaining stability and minimizing emotional distress.
• New York City Children’s Book: A fictional book to help teach your children about NYC.

🎧 Soundtrack

What Maisie Knew features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rockabye Baby” – performed by Julianne Moore
• “Rock and Roll Suicide” – performed by David Bowie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Exclusive interview with Alexander Skarsgard – Hollywood.TV

Want to know how Julianne Moore prepared for her rockstar role in ‘What Maisie Knew’? This interview with Alexander Skarsgard and the directors gives you the inside scoop on the story, casting, and more! I found it fascinating to learn how much thought went into crafting each character.

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