What Maisie Knew (2012) is a poignant drama that explores the complexities of divorce and its effects on a young child. The film, directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, is an adaptation of the 1897 novel by Henry James. Set in modern-day New York City, it tells the story of Maisie (Onata Aprile), a six-year-old girl caught in the midst of her parents’ tumultuous separation.

Plot Summary:

Maisie’s parents, Susanna (Julianne Moore), a rock star, and Beale (Steve Coogan), a successful art dealer, are embroiled in a bitter divorce. They both have new partners: Susanna’s boyfriend, Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård), and Beale’s girlfriend, Margo (Joanna Vanderham). As the adults fight over custody, Maisie is pushed aside, treated more as a pawn in their dispute than as a child in need of stability and love.

Despite the emotional neglect and chaos surrounding her, Maisie’s resilience shines through as she forms bonds with her caregivers. Over time, her relationships with Lincoln and Margo become more meaningful, and they provide her with the care and emotional support that her biological parents fail to offer. The film delicately shows how Maisie navigates her fractured world, finding moments of joy and comfort despite the dysfunction around her.

Themes:

The film examines several themes:

1. Divorce and Child Custody: Through Maisie’s perspective, the film paints a heartbreaking portrait of the collateral damage caused by her parents’ separation. It critiques the selfishness of the adults and highlights how children can become lost in adult conflicts.
2. Parental Responsibility: The contrast between the selfish, neglectful behaviors of Susanna and Beale and the more responsible and loving actions of their respective partners, Lincoln and Margo, creates a powerful commentary on what it means to truly care for a child.
3. Resilience and Adaptation: Despite her parents’ neglect, Maisie learns to adapt to her situation and finds a way to cope, forming new attachments and learning to navigate her fractured world.

   

Performance and Cinematography:

Onata Aprile’s performance as Maisie is widely praised for its depth and maturity, considering her young age at the time of filming. The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, with Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan playing the self-absorbed parents, while Alexander Skarsgård and Joanna Vanderham shine as the characters who offer Maisie the love and stability she craves. The cinematography by Giles Nuttgens captures the emotional landscape of the story with subtlety, often framing Maisie alone in the midst of a chaotic environment to emphasize her isolation.

Conclusion:

What Maisie Knew is a heart-wrenching and emotionally charged film that provides a child’s-eye view of the painful realities of divorce. It’s a delicate, character-driven story about the need for love and stability, with a powerful message about how children are affected by the choices of the adults around them. The film is a compassionate reflection on the complexity of family dynamics and the resilience of children caught in the crossfire.