Jesse Eisenberg’s new film, “The Debut,” premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to significant acclaim, particularly for the performances of Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. The film, described as Eisenberg’s “Black Swan” by way of “Whiplash” and “Waiting for Guffman,” centers on a New Jersey community theater production and the zealous method acting of a previously meek housewife.
The film follows Mona Friedman, played by Julianne Moore, a housewife who unexpectedly lands a role in a community theater production and transforms into a dedicated, even combative, method actor. Paul Giamatti plays Jerry, the director of the production, who is known as the biggest name in New Jersey community theater. The film is noted for being funny, then feral, and ultimately moving, showcasing Eisenberg’s ability to create strong roles for actors, as he previously did with Kieran Culkin in “A Real Pain.”
A24 has set a December 11 release date for “The Debut,” signaling a serious awards campaign. The studio previously turned unlikely films, “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” into Best Picture winners. Industry observers believe Moore is currently the frontrunner for acting awards, having previously won an Oscar for “Still Alice” over a decade ago. The role is described as a “tragicomic tour de force” that could reintroduce her to voters. She reportedly received spontaneous applause during the Telluride screening in the middle of two scenes.
Giamatti, meanwhile, is seeking his first Oscar. His performance is considered particularly noteworthy given his previous snub for “Sideways” and his recent leading role in “The Holdovers.” Emma Stone, who produces “The Debut,” recently won an Oscar for “Poor Things” and joins a growing list of actors who have received multiple Academy Awards, including Anthony Hopkins, Frances McDormand, and Sean Penn.
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