What Maisie Knew

"For a film that’s based on a novel published well over a century ago, What Maisie Knew feels remarkably modern. But then Henry James had a knack for slicing through to reality, and what could be more depressingly timeless than parents behaving badly? At first glance, gorgeous young Maisie has a charmed life. She lives in a designer cool Manhattan apartment, has a hot mess musician mother (Julianne Moore - think Patti Smith mashed up with Courtney Love) and a smooth, waggish father (Steve Coogan)."

"(What Maisie Knew) fails to bring much insight to what essentially amounts to a massive parental guilt trip."

"A subtly ambitious film that's smartly written, beautifully acted, and perfectly directed."

"Whether or not there is story plausibility here, there is an emotional integrity to every reaction Maisie has to every development."

"Beautifully observed drama... cumulatively heartrending."

"A superior adult drama. Harrowing, heartbreaking but utterly compelling."

"Go for the performances."

"Lays waste to the comforting dogma that children are naturally resilient, and that our casual, unthinking cruelty to them can be answered by guilty and belated displays of affection."

"Features an excellent performance from newcomer Onata Aprile."

"Tasteful melodrama benefits from uniformly strong performances."

"The young Aprile is a standout in a moving, hard-hitting and surprising adaptation of the Henry James novel."