Maisie Knew: Understanding a Devastatingly Powerful Film

Introduction

Maisie Knew is a 2012 drama film directed and co-written by Scott McGehee and David Siegel. It stars Onata Aprile as the titular character, Maisie, as a young girl caught in the crossfire of her parent’s bitter custody battle. Despite its often meandering plot, the movie has managed to engage viewers, who have marveled at its finely crafted characters and its underlying themes of loyalty and filial love.

The Plot

Maisie is a youngster at the center of a tug-of-war between her separated parents. Her mother, Susanna (played by Julianne Moore) is a hardworking single mom and musician, who is separated from her husband Beale (played by Steve Coogan). Beale had been traveling extensively before the separation, and therefore has only recently been introduced to Maisie. It soon becomes apparent that Susanna and Beale are very different, and their ongoing struggle over custody of Maisie takes a heavy toll on the child.

Meanwhile, Maisie befriends her new babysitter, Margo (Joanna Vanderham), who is Susanna’s new assistant. Maisie soon gravitates towards her and the two form a strong bond. On the other end of the spectrum, Maisie finds an even stronger connection in Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård) who is Margo’s unappreciated, but devoted boyfriend.

The Overall Message

Maisie Knew is a powerful film about the effects of divorce on a child. Maisie is painfully aware of the hostilities between her parents and is keenly aware of the impact their fights have on her life. Despite this, she is still able to construct meaningful relationships with those around her. In the end, Maisie becomes a stronger, more independent and well-rounded person.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes kids can bear more weight than they should have to. It also serves as a reminder of the remarkable resilience of kids and their capability to reach out to the people around them and form meaningful and powerful relationships. In the end, Maisie Knew is a heartbreakingly beautiful reflection on the consequences of divorce for a child.