One of the most talked-about films at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, “The Debut,” is Writer-Director Jesse Eisenberg’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated film, “A Real Pain.”
When Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore) is cast in a minor role at a small community theatre, the opportunity transforms her from a shy, unassuming housewife into a passionate method actor who is willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her limited roleโeven if it means going to battle against the show’s domineering director (Paul Giamatti).
Eisenberg expertly blends rich, dark comedy with the self-importance often found in community theatre, highlighting how every line change and timing beat is scrutinized, despite the relatively low stakes for everyone involved, including the audience.
