Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong acting in inspiring biopic of Canadian folk artist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Where to Watch
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Maudie
What's the Story?
In MAUDIE, arthritic Maud Dowley (Sally Hawkins) -- who's living in Nova Scotia with her selfish aunt -- is shocked to learn that her money-loving brother has sold their family home. She answers an ad to become a housekeeper for a local fish peddler, Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke), and, after a rocky start, she starts to fit in. He lets her paint flowers and birds on the walls of his small home (where she also now lives). A customer sees the paintings and, later, asks to buy some postcards that Maud has made. This eventually leads to widespread success; even Vice President Richard Nixon buys one of Maud's painting in the 1950s. Maud and Everett eventually decide to marry, but the extra attention being paid to Maud because of her art rankles the inarticulate Everett, causing tension in the house. But despite the many challenges they face, they discover that happiness is within their reach.
Is It Any Good?
Hawkins turns in a heartfelt performance as real-life painter Maud Lewis (1903-1970), carrying a biographical drama that's lovely and gentle without ever becoming soft or sentimental. Hawke matches her as the inarticulate, anti-social Everett Lewis, who frequently loses his patience but ultimately has encouragement and devotion for Maud.
Maudie isn't perfect -- it comes with many of the typical biopic trappings, especially the challenge of taking place over the course of several decades, with the actors increasingly being slathered in age makeup. And while the few supporting characters serve a purpose, they don't always come to life. But Irish director Aisling Walsh avoids making huge, unfathomable leaps in time and devotes her camera to small moments. She stays with the characters rather than focusing on just life highlights and events. Best of all, she manages to echo the themes of Maud's paintings, using windows and doorways as frames, mirroring paint colors to the things of real life, and watching as the seasons pass, each highlighting its own particular kind of beauty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Maudie's depiction of smoking. Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Did you find any of the movie's scenes shocking or violent? Why or why not? How did the characters' angry outbursts make you feel?
Is Maud a role model? What does she overcome, and what does she achieve? How does she demonstrate perseverance?
Why do you think people were drawn to Maud's work? Can you think of any other similar artists?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 16, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : October 10, 2017
- Cast : Sally Hawkins , Ethan Hawke , Kari Matchett
- Director : Aisling Walsh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some thematic content and brief sexuality
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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