Maude Lewis was a primitive painter in ’50s Nova Scotia. Sally Hawkins beautifully captures her character, who was “born funny” (her words for rheumatoid arthritis), while Ethan Hawke is quietly grim as the reclusive man who hires her as a housekeeper. Both of their performances are warm and award-worthy. Aisling Walsh’s direction quietly captures the challenges and frustrations that this duo faces with touching, sometimes frustrating sensitivity. The cinematography makes the engaging story even more beautiful. I’m not usually a fan of primitive art, but Maudie’s work appealed to me, as did this sweetly told biography. (Criterion Cinemas only)
(4.5 / 5)