"What Maise Knew" is an updated version of Henry James' novel with the same title. Set in New York City, the film focuses on the breakup of rock singer Susanna (Julianne Moore) and art dealer Beale (Steve Coogan) and the effects of their young daughter Maise. Maise is an unfortunate pawn in the breakup as both parents want custody but end up with shared. Their daughter is shuttled between them and often cared for by her parents' new partners, Margo (Joanna Vanderham) and Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgard). Maise's selfish parents eventually destruct their new relationships leaving the girl to seek a new version of "family."
This film is honestly a bit hard to watch. This beautiful little girl is completely disregarded by her parents except when she is being used by one parent against the other. The theme that sometimes "family" is not the traditional construct is really illustrated here. This film is a bit rare in that it is very character-focused particularly on a child, who is portrayed as quite perceptive.
It's emotionally-involving but well done - B+
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