MADDIE’S SECRET Trailer: John Early Crafts a Heartfelt Satire in His Directorial Debut
One of the greatest comic actors of today, John Early is stepping both in front of and behind the camera with a bold, gender-swapping new comedy. Maddie’s Secret stars Early (who also penned the script) as the eponymous protagonist, whose rise to fame as a food influencer is hindered by the downside of fame, an eating disorder, and a painful secret from her past. It had its world premiere at last year’s TIFF, where it became a critical hit. The cast also includes Early’s longtime collaborator Kate Berlant, Eric Rahill, Claudia O’Doherty, Connor O’Malley, Vanessa Bayer, Pat Regan, Dominique Witten, Emily Allan, Leah Hennesy, Ruby McCollister, Chris Bauer, and Kristen Johnson. Magnolia Pictures has now unveiled the official trailer ahead of its release in theaters on June 19.
HtN’s editor-at-large Matt Delman wrote in our ND/NF curtain raiser, “John Early has been a favorite on the comedy scene for over a decade, so to call Maddie’s Secret a breakout would be disingenuous, even though it’s technically his film directorial debut. The disarmingly earnest lead performance from Early as a woman who develops an eating disorder is at the center of this story that is both funny and profound… There are so many beautiful moments of connection that highlight Early’s empathic side.”
As the official synopsis reads:
MADDIE’S SECRET is comedian, writer, and actor John Early’s critically acclaimed directorial debut starring himself as Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company. While her life seems picturesque — complete with an adoring husband (Eric Rahill), ride-or-die best friend (Kate Berlant) and a cupboard full of woman-owned ethically-sourced chili crisp to boot — mounting professional pressures threaten to reawaken a hidden secret from her troubled past. A pitch-perfect blend of satire, melodrama, daring tonal shifts and intimate performances, the film marks a bold new voice in contemporary cinema.
Check out the trailer and poster below.
