✨ Let’s get into it ✨
⏱ 2 min read
💡 TLDR
Julianne Moore is obsessed with Jesse Eisenberg’s new musical comedy, calling it one of the best scripts she’s ever read! With an insane cast and major Oscar buzz, you’ll definitely want to catch this A24 gem when it hits theaters on December 11.
Julianne Moore and Jesse Eisenberg basically spent their London Film Festival premiere acting like each other’s biggest fans, and honestly, we love that energy. The duo took the stage at the Royal Festival Hall to close out the festival with the premiere of The Debut, a musical comedy directed by Eisenberg that has everyone talking. While the vibes were high, things were slightly bittersweet because Paul Giamatti couldn’t make it to the U.K. screening due to having COVID-19.
A Story Rooted In Real Life
The movie follows Mona Friedman, played by Moore, a shy New Jersey housewife who auditions for a local production of a fictional musical called “Nosy Neighbors.” Once she lands a supporting role, her life starts to spiral as she gets completely swept up in the character and the influence of director Jerry Blankenbuehler, played by Giamatti. Eisenberg admitted the story is deeply personal, noting that he started doing community theater when he was seven years old and miserable. He even shared that while writing the script, “I could only picture Julianne, to the point where I was writing it and she was inspiring me.”
💫 “I could only picture Julianne, to the point where I was writing it and she was inspiring me.”
Moore, looking stunning in a chic black gown, returned the sentiment by calling the project an incredible gift. She didn’t hold back on the praise, telling the audience that the film is one of the best scripts she has ever read in her entire life. She described Eisenberg as an exemplary director and a massive talent, making it clear that working with him was a total thrill.
Oscar Buzz And Star Power
The cast list is actually insane. Alongside Moore and Giamatti, you’ve got Jesse Eisenberg, Halle Bailey, Colton Ryan, and Bonnie Milligan, plus a whole crew including Bernadette Peters, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Havana Rose Liu. Acting alongside his childhood heroes felt like being handed the ball by Michael Jordan—it was so distracting that Eisenberg joked he was at his “worst self” and hopes to never act alongside them again.
After its debut at the Telluride Film Festival last month, the movie has already been generating serious Oscar buzz for Moore’s performance. Even Variety critic Owen Gleiberman is obsessed, comparing the “dizzying mind-bender” to a mix of Waiting for Guffman and the Coen brothers. Get ready, because A24 is dropping this in theaters on December 11.
Are you adding this musical comedy to your watchlist for December?
❓ People Also Ask
What is the plot of the movie The Debut?
The Debut follows the story of Mona Friedman, a shy housewife from New Jersey who auditions for a local production of a fictional musical titled Nosy Neighbors. After she successfully lands a supporting role, her life begins to spiral as she becomes deeply consumed by her character. The narrative also explores the intense influence of the production's director, Jerry Blankenbuehler, played by Paul Giamatti, as the musical journey unfolds.
When can people see The Debut in theaters?
You can see The Debut in theaters starting on December 11. The musical comedy, which is distributed by A24, has already gained significant attention following its debut at the Telluride Film Festival last month. Audiences can look forward to a star-studded production that features an ensemble cast including Julianne Moore, Jesse Eisenberg, and Halle Bailey, all brought together for this highly anticipated cinematic release.
Why did Jesse Eisenberg write the script for The Debut?
Jesse Eisenberg wrote the script as a deeply personal project inspired by his own experiences with community theater. He began participating in local theater productions when he was only seven years old, though he described those early years as being quite miserable. During the writing process, he felt so inspired by Julianne Moore that he could only picture her in the lead role, which helped shape the direction of the entire story.
How has the critical reception for Julianne Moore's performance been?
Julianne Moore's performance in The Debut has already generated significant Oscar buzz within the film industry. Critics have reacted very positively to her portrayal of Mona Friedman, noting the strength of her acting in this musical comedy. For instance, Variety critic Owen Gleiberman has expressed obsession with the film, describing the production as a dizzying mind-bender that shares stylistic qualities with the works of the Coen brothers.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: Variety