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.
“Early plays Maddie with honesty and humor, throwing himself fully into the role. The key to his performance is empathy — Early resists mocking Maddie or her struggles at every turn. He fully embodies the character…. Packed with visual gags and a cast of gifted comedic actors, MADDIE’S SECRET straddles the line between comedy and melodrama, creating a wholly unique cinematic experience.” —Jourdain Searles, Hollywood Reporter “It is rare, these days, to see something genuinely exciting on the indie scene. I am long desensitized to genre mashups and the unearned swagger of bad experimental cinematography. MADDIE’S SECRET renewed my hope that this corner of the industry can go to new places, outside of what is edgy or trendy. It is an extremely accomplished debut and one of the boldest American movies I have seen in years.” —Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire
