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Maddie's Secret

Play trailer 1:48 Poster for Maddie's Secret In Theaters Jun 19 1h 38m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
90% Tomatometer 29 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
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.
Coming Soon In Theaters Jun 19 Reserve Tickets

Cast & Crew

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John Early

Director

John Early

Maddie Ralph

Kip Reynolds

Juggler

Neil Wachs

Homeless Man

Kate Berlant

Deena

Claudia O'Doherty

Emily

Critics Reviews

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Kyle Turner Slant Magazine 3d
3.5/4
The film at once lampoons a spectatorship culture that drives creators to madness and cherishes the naïvete of everyday people who want to share their passions with people on the internet. Go to Full Review Melissa Anderson 4Columns 5d
Early’s talent for blending ostensibly clashing moods and styles...is exemplified by the appealing incongruity of the main character herself. Go to Full Review Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News Mar 17
3/4
Early, who also wrote and directed this high-wire act, couldn’t be better for a John Waters light delight that lampoons handwringing specials that used to dominate TV. Give it a try. Go to Full Review Alexa Margorian Exclaim! 4h
9/10
Early's ability to balance these enormous themes without sacrificing the delight of the film's earlier stages speaks volumes to his capacity as an empathetic filmmaker who respects the intelligence of his audience. Go to Full Review Brian Orndorf Blu-ray.com 1d
B+
"Maddie’s Secret" positions Early as a moviemaker to watch, unafraid to take genuine risks with the work while making sure it remains approachable and humane, often against all odds. Go to Full Review Hayley Croke Loud and Clear Reviews 1d
4/5
A playful love letter to late-night melodramas exploring the depths of girlhood. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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Maddie's Secret

Maddie's Secret: Trailer 1 Maddie's Secret: Trailer 1 1:48 View more videos
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Maddie's Secret

Maddie's Secret (2025) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
John Early
Producer
Harris Mayersohn, John Early, Luca Intili, Luca Intili
Screenwriter
John Early
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
Dogma 3000, Unapologetic Projects, Dweck Productions, Whetstone Pictures, Radish Films
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 19, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 38m