Drafthouse Recommends: MADDIE'S SECRET

Get your tickets for the latest Drafthouse Recommends.

This email was sent

June 12, 2026 9:07am EDT

Is this your brand on Milled? Claim it.

Matte tone:

MADDIE'S SECRET

GET TICKETS →

Drafthouse Recommends: MADDIE'S SECRET

Drafthouse Recommends is a curated series presenting films we can't shut up about. We love it, and we think you will too.

MADDIE'S SECRET is a wildly original comedy from writer/director/star John Early. Early plays Maddie, a woman chasing reinvention and internet fame while navigating a world of melodrama and buried emotions. Inspired by everything from SHOWGIRLS to made-for-TV movies, it's hilarious, heartfelt, and unlike anything else in theaters. Featuring Kate Berlant, Connor O'Malley, and Vanessa Bayer, this bold, emotionally fearless comedy announces a singular new filmmaking voice. Don't miss it at Alamo Drafthouse.

THREE REASONS WHY →

Number one: Don’t be late to John Early

You may know John Early from his stand-up, which is typically a blend of neurotic cultural observations and cabaret-style Britney Spears karaoke, or you may love him as the fabulously narcissistic Elliot Goss in Search Party. But with MADDIE’S SECRET, Early takes his talents to the next level.

There’s a reason MADDIE’S SECRET was the opening night film in the TIFF Discovery program, which highlights visionary filmmakers ushering in the future of cinema. By harnessing his love for the absurd and his pop culture cinephile sensibilities, Early has created a film that is wholly original and sensationally singular.

Number two: High camp with a real heartbeat

Inspired by films like SHOWGIRLS and TV movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s, MADDIE’S SECRET is an Olympic feat of walking the tonal tightrope. The film is unabashedly sincere while also being incredibly funny, which is even more impressive given Maddie’s struggle with bulimia, a serious issue that is treated with empathy. You might not believe it before seeing it, but MADDIE’S SECRET, as delightfully campy as it is, will make you feel deeply, and that’s truly the film’s secret.

Number three: Our favorite comedy cooks are in the kitchen

Instead of relying on a casting director, Early simply called up a bunch of friends, who just so happen to be on the forefront of the alt-comedy scene. Featuring Kate Berlant, Eric Rahill, Connor O’Malley and Vanessa Bayer (with many more familiar faces in between), this ensemble cast is a Murderer’s Row of boundary-pushing, brilliantly innovative comics, and their performances will leave your belly full of laughs.

Drafthouse Recommends only works if we’re actually championing movies that take chances and sit outside the obvious lane. It’s part of what separates us from the big dogs like AMC and Regal: we’re not just showing what’s playing, we’re actively arguing for why certain films matter. MADDIE’S SECRET is a perfect example of that.

Hope you get a chance to check it out soon.