The stage is set for the closing night gala of the BFI London Film Festival, and they couldn't have picked a better film. The theatre kids are going to love this one.
From its '90s sitcom-style opening credits to the corny jokes, Jesse Eisenberg's The Debut is effortlessly charming. Mona (Julianne Moore), a stay-at-home wife, takes a step into the world of community theatre by starring in a performance of the fictional musical Nosy Neighbours.
Julianne Moore truly acts like the rent is due. Mona transforms from this timid person into an assertive and opinionated woman, a journey made fully believable through Moore's intentional and vulnerable performance. She deconstructs the character right before our eyes, pulling apart and revealing each layer of this repressed woman. One scene even warranted applause in the middle of the film. Could this be a precursor for a potential Oscar nomination?
Opposite her, Paul Giamatti is delivering an equally captivating performance. His character, famed director Jerry, at first comes off as harsh and cold, but as the narrative unfolds, this facade begins to crumble, and inside you see this man who just deeply loves theatre. Giamatti is terrifying at first, somewhat echoing Terence Fletcher from Whiplash, but vulnerable later on. Yet, even after opening up, he never loses this edge and brutal honesty that is so central to Jerry.
While not actually being a musical, this film does occasionally feel like it. The lighting is very stage-like, including spotlights and ghost lights, and sometimes comes out of nowhere. The audience's suspension of disbelief is tested a little in these moments, but the combination of sincere performances and a tight script makes it fully believable.
The in-universe musical Nosy Neighbours is also very convincing as a genuine piece of theatre. I won't be surprised if audience members walk out of this film believing it is a real production – even I doubted my knowledge of theatre for a moment. It has all the hallmarks of a production that would thrive in small community theatres: a simple premise, formulaic but catchy songs, and corny yet charming jokes. Jesse Eisenberg wrote both the music and lyrics for Nosy Neighbours, an impressive feat that makes you wonder if there is any possibility of seeing a full musical production by Eisenberg in the future.
After A Real Pain two years ago, Jesse Eisenberg's direction shines once again. The Debut oozes with love and appreciation for theatre, leaning into its silly aspects but never mocking them. It may not be for everyone, but even if you're not a fan of musical theatre there may still be something for you to enjoy in this film. And who knows, maybe it'll change your mind.
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