Maudie
2016
**½
Director: Aisling Walsh
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Zachary Bennett, Gabrielle Rose, Billy MacLellan, Kari Matchett, Lawrence Barry, Marthe Bernard, Greg Malone, Judy Hancock
Maud, a tiny hunched woman with rheumatoid arthritis, becomes a housekeeper and later wife to a gruff fish peddler, Everett Lewis. Despite her life in poverty, Maud finds comfort and even some success in painting. This very modest biographical drama tells the story of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (1903-1970). Aisling Walsh's film is at its best in the first half when Maude and Everett get to grips with each other and she explores art. In the second half, the whole thing becomes a dull portrayal of a mostly loveless marriage. The years fly by in a flash, but the couple don't seem to get any older. The final 30 minutes are interminable. Sally Hawkins gives a warm and likeable but award-baity performance in the lead.
