Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: What Maisie Knew (2012)

What is it about? 

A young girl is caught in the middle of a bitter custody battle between her ill-focused parents in New York City. 

Who is in it? 

Onata Aprile - Maisie

Julianne Moore - Susanna

Steve Coogan - Beale

Favorite Scene: 

[Spoiler Alert!]

After realizing that Beale was a terrible husband, Margo breaks down in front of her apartment door. Maisie walks over and hugs Margo with Margo immediately apologizing for her comments and her reaction towards Lincoln. Margo asks Maisie, "You like Lincoln, huh?". Maisie responds with a head-nod, a smile, and says, "I love him". 

Favorite Quote:

Lincoln: "I'm her... sorta... like... Maisie's stepfather."

Review: 

I usually don't do this, but I have to lead off with the work of Onata Aprile in this film. Yes, there have been some memorable performances throughout my lifetime in movies, but the work of this little girl is right up there. Possibly just as good simply because of her age. She lulls you away from her age as a viewer, something we typically give children actors leeway on.

Well, if that wasn't enough of an endorsement, What Maisie Knew is a tremendous film. Yes, I'm a sucker for deeply enriching independent films. Blah, blah, blah, you already know the reasons why. However, the topic tackled in this film regarding parenting, childhoods, quality time, and the overall knowledge of children and their feelings, is a remarkable one. 

What I absolutely loved about the film was that you truly never got a full grasp of the entire story. As the viewer, you have no reasoning other than the perspective from which Maisie perceives the situation - the constant fighting, being left at school, the empty promises, and the untrustworthy loved ones. It's a dilemma that is very real, and one that is often overlooked in our own relationships with children and loved ones. 

In this film, I dare you to not feel for Maisie. I dare you. 

And oh yeah, Julianne Moore, who is usually tremendous, was definitely that again in this film. 

Very much recommended for the 93 minute run time. 

Grade: 4/5
Labels:

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

TNA Slammiversary 2026: "A great show that felt like it could have been epic with the proper buildup."

TNA certainly came into Slammiversary 2026 carrying some public relations (or perception?) baggage which affected the excitement for this event. For me, Slammiversary has become one of those wrestling events on the calendar that moves the needle for me. This is especially the case after attending last year's historic event.   This year, the hype was not there. And ultimately, the overall creative process for the product for most of 2026 was well...plain. It wasn't terrible. But yeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, nothing felt overly exciting. The company had no major storyline driver. And thus, we saw the removal of Tommy Dreamer as head of creative at TNA after being with the company for almost ten years. Much of Slammiversary 2026 felt like it was pulled together two weeks out. And even heading into the show, with the added drama of Dreamer's release, TNA once again felt unstable.  Fortunately, what we got was a great show that feels like - again, there is that perception thing! - TNA is ...
Read more

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more