My Week with Maisy

There are certain subject matters that when portrayed in film are bound to get the tears rolling. Of course it’s different for different people, some people will remain stone faced by the end of ‘Titanic’, whilst others will be flooded with tears. The same people may be moved by ‘Schindler’s List’ or more recently ‘Aftersun’, whilst others will remain cold. What moves us to tears is affected by our own personal experience and the way in which we interpret the film and connect to it’s characters. ‘My Week with Maisy’ is a film designed to be a tearjerker, and such is the strength of its characters, that for many people it will be.

The film depicts the unconventional relationship between the titular Maisy, played by Ellie-Mae Siame, and Mrs. Foster, played by Joanna Lumley. The two are a strange pairing, given the large age divide between them - Maisy being a young girl and Mrs. Foster being an older, uptight woman - yet the bond they form across their week together is beautiful and feels genuine.

Mrs. Foster begins the film wrapped up in herself and set in her ways. She disapproves of her son’s secret gay relationship - and refers to him as ‘one of those’, even taking her prejudice to the nurse, played by MyAnna Buring. When Maisy first enters the fray Mrs. Foster maintains her coldness despite Maisy’s bubbly kindness and straightforwardness. However, as the days wear on and the chemotherapy progresses, Mrs. Foster finds herself softening and warming to Maisy. The two speak French, discuss their treatments and their lives, Mrs. Foster’s past and Maisy’s aspirations to become a lesbian. Maisy transforms Mrs. Foster out of her sheer purity and innocence, and in doing so the pair form a friendship more meaningful than any ordinary friendship could be.

It goes without saying that Joanna Lumley is absolutely fabulous as Mrs. Foster. She plays the straight role perfectly, and delivers each line with wit, humour and no small amount of heart. She thrives in the emotionally charged scenes, and by the end of the film brings the audience onto her side so that we are feeling every emotion she feels. As great as Lumley is, however, the real standout is Ellie-Mae Siame, who delivers an exceptional performance as the young Maisy, and is a real star in the making. She immediately endearing herself to the audience with her bubbly personality and humour. She matches Lumley perfectly in the lighter, comedic moments, but delivers all her lines with a knowing sense of weariness so that you truly believe that this poor little girl is suffering from cancer.

Mark Oxtoby’s script is a perfect exercise in balancing comedy with serious drama, and manages to make the film feel both light and heavy without any tonal inconsistencies at any point. This is further helped by Mika Simmons’ directing, which is competent throughout and truly immerses you in the story.

‘My Week with Maisy’ is a staggeringly beautiful film, with extraordinary performances and a great deal of charm. It’s a film that sticks with you long after the tears have stopped falling.