The Debut. 2026. USA. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. With Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey. DCP courtesy A24. 105 min.
In Jesse Eisenberg’s deeply moving follow-up to the Oscar-winning A Real Pain, all the world’s a stage…or at least one stage, in suburban New Jersey. When we are introduced to Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore at the height of her powers), she is a sheltered soul determined to make a change in her decidedly blah life by auditioning for local musical theater production Nosy Neighbors (songs by Eisenberg). Unfortunately, Mona is both lacking in obvious talent and facing an unforgiving director in the form of Jerry (an exasperated Paul Giamatti). As opportunities present themselves, Mona and Jerry form the most unlikely partnership—but will it sink or save the production? The Debut is a loving tribute to midlife self-discovery and the power of community theater.
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