Moving away from their previous cerebral thrillers, directing partners Scott McGehee and David Siegel (Suture, The Deep End) here adapt Henry James’ novel to contemporary New York.

Six-year-old Maisie (Onata Aprile) bears silent, initially uncomprehending witness to the collapse of her parents’ marriage. Subsequently, father Beale (Steve Coogan) marries nanny Margo (Joanna Vanderham), while mother Susanna (Julianne Moore) spontaneously weds Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård).

What becomes increasingly clear to Maisie is that her parents are less interested in her welfare than in using her to score petty victories over each other, their selfishness usually resulting in her being left with their new partners, who have true and deep affection for the child. Told from Maisie’s perspective, it is a heartrending film. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.) 

IFI IRISH SHORT
This screening will include the IFB-funded short Revolution 365.1 by Sean Roxenham. Two socks, desperate to escape the monotony of sock life, undertake a daring and dangerous adventure. 3 mins, Ireland, 2007.