Based on a true story: In small-town Nova Scotia, Maud Dowley (Sally Hawkins) is a shy young woman handicapped by rheumatoid arthritis and misunderstood by her family. She becomes a live-in housekeeper to Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke), a grouchy fish peddler who lives in a small house outside of town. During her housekeeping, she discovers her enjoyment - and talent - of painting.
While the characters of this film often face difficult times, director Aisling Walsh does a fine job in emphasizing the serenity of rural eastern Canada. (While the film takes place in Nova Scotia, it was filmed in Newfoundland.)
The very unusual domestic arrangement would mean little today but in small-town Canada in the 1930s, it was scandalous. The silent and tense atmosphere of the film conveys this well.
Hawke does a fine job in portraying his conflicted character whose anger sometimes erupts in the form of abuse but who still shows a good and caring side. His character, like others, are not given sufficient background to show how they tick. But there is more than even enough development in the portrayal of the title character - mainly because of the superb work by Hawkins.
Within her physical and social limitations, Hawkins finds the perfect mix. While she is often vulnerable, she can still mutter a few words now and then that show she has a clear sense of self-worth. Her greatest scenes are in the last half when she learns more about her past and also when she gradually becomes frail with age. Hawkins' performance is the highlight of this fine film. - dbamateurcritic.
While the characters of this film often face difficult times, director Aisling Walsh does a fine job in emphasizing the serenity of rural eastern Canada. (While the film takes place in Nova Scotia, it was filmed in Newfoundland.)
The very unusual domestic arrangement would mean little today but in small-town Canada in the 1930s, it was scandalous. The silent and tense atmosphere of the film conveys this well.
Hawke does a fine job in portraying his conflicted character whose anger sometimes erupts in the form of abuse but who still shows a good and caring side. His character, like others, are not given sufficient background to show how they tick. But there is more than even enough development in the portrayal of the title character - mainly because of the superb work by Hawkins.
Within her physical and social limitations, Hawkins finds the perfect mix. While she is often vulnerable, she can still mutter a few words now and then that show she has a clear sense of self-worth. Her greatest scenes are in the last half when she learns more about her past and also when she gradually becomes frail with age. Hawkins' performance is the highlight of this fine film. - dbamateurcritic.