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John Early’s Debut “Maddie’s Secret” Becomes IFC’s Biggest Release.

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Filmmaker John Early released his debut film “Maddie's Secret,” which opened as the IFC Center’s biggest release in two years and its sixth-biggest ever.
John Early wrote the script and stars as Maddie, with Kate Berlanti as Deena and Claudia O'Doherty as a rival.
After collapsing in a Bon-Appétit-style test kitchen, Maddie enters an eating-disorder clinic and meets other women coping with trauma and control.

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Story summary

Filmmaker John Early released his debut film “Maddie's Secret,” which opened as the IFC Center’s biggest release in two years and its sixth-biggest ever.
John Early wrote the script and stars as Maddie, with Kate Berlanti as Deena and Claudia O'Doherty as a rival.
After collapsing in a Bon-Appétit-style test kitchen, Maddie enters an eating-disorder clinic and meets other women coping with trauma and control.