The first time I saw Sally Hawkins was in a BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
Since then she has steadily worked her way to Hollywood, even garnering an Oscar nomination for her role in Blue Jasmine opposite Cate Blachett – and her latest role in Aisling Walsh’s Maudie is nothing short of an Oscar worthy performance.
Based on a true story, Maudie tells the story of Maud Lewis (Sally Hawkins) a woman who is shunned by society for her disabilities stemming from severe arthritis.
Undeterred and determined to live a fulfilling life, Maudie seeks solace in her artwork while balancing working as a housekeeper for an overbearing, aggressive but strangely endearing handyman Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke).
Selling her paintings for 10 cents Maudie soon attracts the attention of the rich and famous including President Nixon.
Aisling Walsh’s film is moving and heart warming and does not shy away from the reality of the situation.
She captures the loathing Maudie experienced throughout her life, even at times from her own husband who strikes her at one point, which caused an audience member to scream out ‘you jerk,’ yet despite everything Maudie shines through it all and manages to smile.
Sally Hawkins was born to play this role and as Oscar season rolls around in a few months time, if she isn’t nominated the Academy would be ignoring her raw talent and ability to move audiences to tears.
Also starring Kari Matchett, Zachary Bennett, Billy MacLellan and Gabrielle Rose.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Rated: M
Distributor: Mongrel Media
In cinemas now
