Maudie (2016)
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The story
In 1930s Nova Scotia, Maud Dowley, a woman living with severe arthritis, faces a difficult life under the care of her family. After her brother sells their family home, she takes a job as a housekeeper for Everett Lewis, a gruff and reclusive fish pedler. They share a tiny home where she begins to paint flowers and birds on the walls. As her art begins to gain local attention and popularity, the two neighbors navigate their differing personalities and the growing recognition of her talent, while Maud seeks to find a sense of belonging and purpose despite her physical struggles.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1930s Nova Scotia, Maud Dowley lives with her aunt and brother. Suffering from severe arthritis, she is devastated when her brother sells their family home. She finds work as a housekeeper for Everett Lewis, a rough fish peddler. They share a small house and a bed, leading to local gossip. Maud begins painting, and her work gains fame, eventually catching the attention of a New Yorker and even the U.S. Vice President. Her aunt, Ida, eventually reveals a painful secret: Maud's child did not die but was given away by her family. This revelation causes a rift between Maud and Everett. They eventually reconcile, and Everett takes her to see her grown daughter. However, Maud's health fails, and she passes away in a hospital, telling Everett she was loved.
- First release year
- 2016
- Runtime (minutes)
- 116
- Production countries
- Ireland; Canada
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Aisling Walsh
- Writers
- Sherry White · writer
- Cast and characters
- Sally Hawkins · Maud Lewis; Ethan Hawke · Everett Lewis; Kari Matchett · Sandra; Zachary Bennett · Charles; Gabrielle Rose · Aunt Ida; Greg Malone · Mr. Hill
- Genres
- biographical drama; romantic drama
- Themes
- artistic expression; resilience; hidden truth
- Tone and mood
- poignant; raw
- Setting
- Nova Scotia, 1930s
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; period piece
- Source material / true-story basis
- biography of Maud Lewis
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews and won several awards at festivals and from critics' societies.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 89% · scale: percentage · review count: 151; Metacritic · score: 65 · scale: 100 · review count: 34
- Awards and nominations
- Super Channel People's Choice Award · top audience award · win
- Production trivia
- The film was shot in Newfoundland and Labrador.; The production included a re-creation of a small house.; The crew gathered houseflies for weeks to depict an infestation.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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