John Early’s Directorial Debut ‘Maddie’s Secret’ Inspired by Food Influencer Content
9 reported
Comedian John Early, 38, known for his role in HBO’s Search Party, has directed his first film, Maddie’s Secret, inspired by what he describes as the “pornographic” nature of current online food influencer content. Early told Rolling Stone that during the pandemic, he found comfort in Bon Appétit test kitchen videos, but was later shocked by the shift toward what he calls a “psychosexual hellscape” in food content. The film follows a chef at a parody test kitchen whose rise in the food-influencer world clashes with her struggle with bulimia. Early plays the lead role, Maddie, wearing a blond wig, breast prosthetics, and hip pads, but says the film is not a drag movie. The film draws aesthetic and satirical cues from director Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls and Starship Troopers, and was staffed largely with Early’s close friends from the comedy world, including Kate Berlant, Vanessa Bayer, Conner O’Malley, and Kristen Johnston. Early says he researched eating disorders by watching documentaries, reading books, and speaking with a close friend who attended an inpatient treatment center.
What’s reported
John Early, 38, directed his first film, Maddie’s Secret, inspired by online food influencer content he calls “pornographic.”
Early found comfort in Bon Appétit test kitchen videos during the pandemic but later felt food content became a “psychosexual hellscape.”
The film follows a chef at GourMaybe Test Kitchen whose food-influencer rise clashes with her bulimia.
Early plays the lead role, Maddie, wearing a blond wig, breast prosthetics, and hip pads, but says it is not a drag film.
The film takes aesthetic and satirical cues from Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls (1995) and Starship Troopers (1997).
The cast includes Kate Berlant, Vanessa Bayer, Conner O’Malley, and Kristen Johnston.
Early researched eating disorders by watching the documentary Thin (2006), reading the book The Best Little Girl in the World (1978), and speaking with a close friend who attended an inpatient treatment center.
Amy Sedaris gave Early the memoir Starving for Attention (1982) for tonal reference.
The film was shot in Early’s actual house, and his ex-boyfriend Gordon Landenberger served as production designer.
Key figures
John Early: comedian, director, actor (Maddie)
Kate Berlant: actress (Deena)
Eric Rahill: actor (Jake)
Vanessa Bayer: actress (Saturday Night Live)
Conner O’Malley: actor (I Think You Should Leave)
Kristen Johnston: actress (3rd Rock From the Sun)
Gordon Landenberger: production designer, Early’s ex-boyfriend
Amy Sedaris: gave Early a memoir
Paul Verhoeven: director referenced for aesthetic cues
Sources: Rolling Stone
