Maudie (2016)

In the windswept landscape of 1930s rural Nova Scotia, Maud Dowley, a woman who endures the relentless pangs of rheumatoid arthritis, seeks respite from her suffering in the thick smoke of her ever-present cigarettes. Her physical ailment distorts her gait, leading her to be misconstrued as a mentally challenged individual by her community, including her own surviving family, her stern Aunt Ida and avaricious brother, Charlie. When Charlie carelessly sells their ancestral home, Maud is jolted into seeking autonomy. She stumbles upon an opportunity for independence when Everett Lewis, a brusque and impoverished fish seller, advertises a position for a housekeeper. Despite his initial reluctance to hire a 'cripple', Maud's unwavering spirit negotiates a deal that provides her shelter and employment under the same roof. Their relationship, however, teeters on the brink of hostility, with Everett's harsh temper often resulting in violent outbursts towards Maud. Yet, amidst this stormy existence, Maud discovers a reservoir of joy within herself. She swathes the drab walls of their house with vibrant paintings, her brushes dancing to the rhythm of her heart, crafting folk-art images that reflect her longing for a happier world. When Sandra, a New York socialite and one of Everett's customers, stumbles upon Maud's artwork, she is entranced. She offers Maud her first commission, sparking a journey towards independence that threatens to upset the delicate balance of her tumultuous relationship with Everett. In the swirl of these changing dynamics, Maud is forced to confront the ghosts of her past, unearthing secrets that had been buried under the weight of deceit and time. 'Maudie' is a poignant tale of resilience, self-expression and the indomitable human spirit, delicately woven against the harsh realities of a woman's life in an era of constraining societal norms.

Maudie is a drama movie featuring Sally Hawkins and directed by Aisling Walsh.

It is possible to buy Maudie on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.