Maddie's Secret Is in Theaters and John Early Has Never Been Better

By The Backlot

@backlotfriends

A scene from Maddie's Secret (2026), the melodramatic comedy written and directed by John Early, now in theaters

Maddie's Secret is in theaters now. John Early wrote, directed, and plays the title role. It is his first feature.

Maddie works as a dishwasher and leaps to viral superstardom at a food content creation company. Her life looks perfect: adoring husband, best friend, ethically sourced chili crisp in the cupboard. The professional pressure reawakens a secret from her past. Kate Berlant plays her best friend Deena. Kristen Johnston plays her mother.

87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics call it wickedly sharp and surprisingly moving. A melodramatic comedy like few others.

Before you go, watch any John Early short. You will immediately understand what he is doing with 98 minutes and a real budget.

The best small comedy in theaters right now is about food content and the body and John Early performing a complete emotional breakdown. You have been sleeping on it.

Quick Facts

Maddie's Secret Is in Theaters and John Early Has Never Been Better

DirectorJohn Early

CastJohn Early, Kate Berlant, Kristen Johnston, Claudia O'Doherty, Conner O'Malley, Vanessa Bayer

GenreComedy, Drama

Release2026-06-19

Runtime98 min

RatedN/A

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Maddie's Secret is in theaters right now. John Early wrote, directed, and stars as Maddie. Kate Berlant plays her best friend. Kristen Johnston plays her mother. A viral food content creator with a buried secret. 87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Wickedly sharp and surprisingly moving. Tag who you are seeing this with. #MaddiesSecret #Backlot

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Maddie's Secret is in theaters. John Early wrote, directed, and plays the title role. Kate Berlant is his best friend. 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. A melodramatic comedy about food content and the body. The best small comedy in theaters right now.

Maddie's Secret is in theaters now. John Early wrote, directed, and plays the title role. It is his first feature.

87 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics call it wickedly sharp and surprisingly moving. A melodramatic comedy like few others.

Before you go, watch any John Early short. You will immediately understand what he is doing with 98 minutes and a real budget.

The best small comedy in theaters right now is about food content and the body and John Early performing a complete emotional breakdown. You have been sleeping on it.