

Movie spotlight
Maxine
Allie is a newly out teen who is keeping her girlfriend a secret from her Chinese American family. During her family’s celebration of the Hungry Ghost Festival, Allie meets the ghost of a long lost relative named Maxine, who was queer when she was alive several decades ago. Though they come from different times, they find that they share many feelings about struggling to belong, especially within their own family’s legacy.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the disturbing life of Maxine Carr, a woman who became infamous for her relationship with child murderer Ian Huntley. It delves into her upbringing, her descent into a life marred by manipulation and opportunism, and the events that led to her complicity in one of Britain's most notorious crimes.
Critical Reception
Maxine received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise directed at Jemma Carlton's performance as the titular character. Critics noted the film's unflinching portrayal of a complex and unsympathetic figure, though some found the narrative pacing uneven.
What Reviewers Say
Jemma Carlton delivers a chilling and compelling performance as Maxine Carr.
The series offers a disturbing but thought-provoking look into the psychology of complicity.
Some viewers found the narrative difficult to engage with due to the bleak subject matter.
Google audience: Audience reception for Maxine is varied, with many acknowledging the powerful central performance but expressing discomfort with the dark and sensitive nature of the true crime story.
Fun Fact
Jemma Carlton, who plays Maxine Carr, underwent extensive research and physical preparation to embody the character, aiming for an authentic and sensitive portrayal.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources