The Debut review
Toronto film festival: riotous lead performance holds together third movie from actor turned film-maker, about a housewife who joins a local musical
TL;DR
- The film "The Debut" is Jesse Eisenberg's third directorial effort, marking a departure into surrealism and absurdity.
- Julianne Moore stars as Mona, a repressed housewife who joins a community theater musical, exploring themes of artistic obsession and vanity.
- The film struggles with inconsistent abstraction and an unclear setting, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters and narrative.
- Despite narrative challenges, Julianne Moore delivers a captivating and fearless performance, holding the film together.
- Eisenberg's directorial style features ornate visuals and a quick pace, creating a sense of journey for the audience.
- The film includes original songs written by Eisenberg, intended for theater enthusiasts.