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Maudie

Name: Maudie
Director: Aisling Walsh
Released: 2016
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2016

PG-13

Director

Aisling Walsh

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Maudie is a sophisticated character study that excels in its intimate portrayal of a underrepresented individual. Its greatest achievement is the dignified, non-sentimental treatment of disability, granting the protagonist full autonomy despite her physical limitations. The film also successfully disrupts mid-century gender hierarchies. Maud is not a passive domestic worker; she uses her artistic abilities to navigate and reshape her relationship with Everett. However, the film lacks multi-layered breadth. It remains tied to a historically homogenous setting and does not engage with LGBTQ+ narratives or diverse racial identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Maudie have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual relationship and does not include LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight identities.

How does Maudie portray gender?

Good

Maud challenges mid-century stereotypes by taking a leading role despite her frail health. She reshapes her home environment through her art, even though Everett holds a traditionally dominant position.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Maudie?

Limited

Set in 1940s rural Nova Scotia, the film mirrors the demographic uniformity of its time and place. There is no diversity, which aligns with the historical context.

How does Maudie represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story offers a nuanced look at socioeconomic structures and the isolation of the working class. It emphasizes personal expression and survival over glorifying traditional Western wealth.

Does Maudie include disability representation?

Excellent

Maud’s rheumatoid arthritis is shown with depth, highlighting her physical pain and necessary adjustments. The film avoids pity, treating her disability as an essential part of her identity.

Present on Screen

The portrayal of rheumatoid arthritis is nuanced, focusing on ability to act and adaptation rather than pity.
Maud challenges traditional gender roles through her intellectual and creative independence.
The film provides a grounded, non-idealized look at working-class socioeconomic struggles.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation and non-straight perspectives.
The setting reflects a lack of racial and ethnic diversity inherent to its historical period.

Official Synopsis

Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis falls in love with a fishmonger while working for him as a live-in housekeeper.

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