MADDIE’S SECRET

a film by John Early

FEATURE PRESENTATION

MAY 28, 2026 • 9:00 PM
@ THE BUS STOP THEATRE
(2203 GOTTINGEN STREET, HALIFAX)

2025 / USA / 98 mins

A PRE-RECORDED Q+A WITH JOHN EARLY
WILL FOLLOW THE SCREENING

Maddie's Secret follows Maddie Ralph, a dishwasher at the studio of the viral online cooking channel Gourmaybe. She spends her days working alongside her best friend Deena in the shadow of the channel's cut-throat superstar Emily, and her nights perfecting vegetarian dishes to serve to her adoring husband. After one of her videos goes viral, Maddie surpasses Emily's stardom and becomes a Gourmaybe sensation. With the pressures of fame comes the return of Maddie's long-dormant struggle with an eating disorder. 

Written, directed, produced, and starring alt comedy star John Early, this ode to the 'Movie of the Week' is full of the best of L.A.'s alt comedy scene, including Early's frequent collaborator Kate Berlant. With gossamer visuals and an ‘80s-inspired score, Maddie's Secret starts as a parody and ends up delivering a sharp critique of influencer culture.
—Tori Fleming

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER