This small but delightful film is not going to threaten Taika's superhero behemoth for box-office takings anytime soon, but it's good to see that there is room in the spring release schedule for something at the other end of the spectrum.
Maudie is a gently observational piece that takes a slice of Canadian rural life and lets a discordant zephyr blow through its fields. Set in Marshalltown, Nova Scotia, the titular Maud, played by Sally Hawkins (Happy Go Lucky, Paddington) suffers a life-long form of arthritis.
Through dogged determination, she pursues a passion for painting while holding down a job as a housekeeper for the gruff and bad-tempered loner, Everitt (Ethan Hawke). They are an ill-fitting couple that, as Maud quips, are like "a pair of odd socks". Yet through their differences, they find a commonality that extends to a curiously touching relationship.
Despite the demands of what is a very physical performance, Hawkins displays a wonderful ability to convey emotion through subtle expression. Her skills are not lost on director Aisling Walsh, wholets the camera sit with her performance for long periods.
"A gently observational piece that takes a slice of canadian rural life and lets a discordant zephyr blow through its fields."
