What Maisie Knew (2013)

The movie is loosely based on the 1897 Henry James novel of the same name.  The story is told through the eyes of the child, Maisie, and the movie really does attempt to keep that focus.

Maisie's parents are in the midst of a bitter end to their relationship that takes place as the backdrop to Maisie's home life and it becomes very clear very earrly on that they do not care for their daughter in anything more than an abstract sense.  The reality of parenting her in a loving way is beyond them.  Her mother, Susannah (Julianne Moore) is a rock star who is cutting a new album.  Her father is Beale, (Steve Coogan), a businessman who is constantly on the phone--they live in an unbelievable Tribeca apartment that is larger and more luscious than almost everyone's home, but it is miserable to watch.  They are literally screaming viscous comments to each other non-stop.  The incredibly sweet nanny Margo (Joanna Vanderham) does her best to cushion the bitterness-- taking one for the team, when Beale moves out, she moves in with him, quickly moving to marrying him.  Susannah counters by marrying Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgard), a bartender that she knows casually.  Ironically, these two really love Maisie, and what Maisie knew is that this was the truth.  She loves them right back, and they form the basis for stability in her life.  Maisie is played by Onata Abrile, and she is remarkable playing a child who never knows where she will sleep, who will pick her up, or where she will be next.  The movie is far more entertaining than the subject matter would make you think, and yet another way to look at how parents disregard their children when it suits them.