Maddie's Secret

Screened at Festival Theaters, Palm Springs, California

A few years ago, a close friend of mine mentioned going to see a show from John Early. I had to look him up, as the name sounded familiar but I couldn't place him. Once I did, I realized I was aware of him after all, from a few skits here and there with his creative partner Kate Berlant on YouTube, his guest spot on Tim Robinson's brilliant skit comedy show for Netflix, I Think You Should Leave, and especially his role in the TBS show Search Party along with Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development), Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!) and others. In fact, this screening I attended was followed by a Q&A with Early, with Palm Springs native Alia Shawkat on moderating duties - a bit of a Search Party reunion. You can see a few of my snapshots from the event here and check out the video below!

The film itself is mostly a comedy, with Early portraying Maddie, who stumbles on a big break with a new cooking show on an established online culinary channel where she was working as an on-set dishwasher. Instead of basking in the excitement and rewards of new-found celebrity, it's Maddie's childhood that takes center stage, bringing up past struggles with both food, and her relationship with her mother, portrayed by the fantastic Kristin Johnston in an emotionally devastating scene towards the film's conclusion. Hence, mostly a comedy. Overall Maddie's Secret works, and I think a second watch will definitely help it gel for me. Besides the plot, which is quite relatable, I think a couple things make this a rather niche proposition that will make it hard to breakthrough to a bigger audience. Not that they are under any illusion this would appeal to the masses, made clear during the aforementioned Q&A; they sounded VERY surprised they were able to get this film funded, and completed so quickly - a perfect whirlwind of sorts. But I think with Early portraying a woman, it could probably be confusing in a way, as in - "is this part of the joke?" But it's not, and he does a rather good job in the role, including the emotional scenes that were genuinely heartfelt. For wider audiences though, I think it may distract a bit. The other item is the melodrama that is the film's vibe. It's comedy is highly influenced by TV movies of the 70s and 80s including the biggest, 1986's Kate's Secret, starring Meredith Baxter-Birney, née Baxter (Family Ties) portraying a woman suffering from bulimia. To appreciate Maddie's Secret, a familiarity is likely required for its highly specific humor and satire.

I definitely recommend this to more of the discerning pop culture, film, and television enthusiasts - at least in the way of the lense through which I viewed this. Early is such a talent, and so incredibly funny, there just may be comedy closer to his generation that I'm not identifying, as there were certainly scenes in this near-sold out screening where laughter was abundant ... just not from me. ANYWAY - is it amazing? No. Its just a great passion project with good laughs and funny performances, from Kate Berlant to Vanessa Bayer who both must NOT go unnoticed here, as they add a lot to its success. I guess a good compliment is - I can't wait to see it again. Huzzah!