The story of a woman dismissed by those around her who asserts herself through art testifies to the indomitable power of creativity. Why turn that compelling story into a predictable romance?
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Despite charming performances from Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke, this saccharine romance...rings a bit false from start to finish.
The Guardian by Jordan Hoffman
If anyone other than Hawkins were in this film, it would be very hard to recommend. With her in virtually every scene, it is a lovely, tiny character study.
There seems to be a tiny gem of a character study hidden inside Walsh’s film, unfortunately, Maudie and its at-odds tones just don’t work. It’s a film that one can actively admire, but its difficult to fully embrace.
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Kate Taylor
The heart and mind of Maudie are always in the right place.
What little dimension Maudie offers is a direct result of Hawkins’ contributions, which draw from her character’s past to add texture to her performance.
Slant Magazine by Peter Goldberg
Maud Lewis herself couldn’t paint a hurricane that would blow the film’s overburdened narrative off course.
Screen International by Tim Grierson
If ultimately Maudie doesn’t have much new to say about love or art, at least its two misfits provide an insight into something deeply true about long-term commitment.
The Hollywood Reporter by Todd McCarthy
A stellar, warmly persuasive starring turn by Sally Hawkins as crippled, self-taught painter Maud Lewis is the raison d'etre of Maudie.