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The Debut

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for The Debut R In Theaters Dec 11 1h 45m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 57 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
When Mona Friedman is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role--even if it means waging war against the show's domineering director.
Coming Soon In Theaters Dec 11 Notify Me
The Debut

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Wryly teasing the self-seriousness of community theater while still recognizing the transformative power of the stage, The Debut is an acerbic gem from Jesse Eisenberg, enlivened by Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti at the peak of their powers.

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Cast & Crew

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Jesse Eisenberg

Director

Julianne Moore

Mona Friedman

Paul Giamatti

Jerry

Halle Bailey

Stef

Jesse Eisenberg

Todd

Cara Buono

Cassie

Critics Reviews

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Kyle Turner Slant Magazine Oct 6, 2026
3/4
Julianne Moore gives a delicate, dexterous performance as a housewife who finds freedom by stepping into the spotlight. Go to Full Review Matt Singer ScreenCrush Oct 2, 2026
9/10
An amusing if predictable spoof that transforms into something far more ambitious and far more interesting. Go to Full Review Neil Young Sight & Sound Sep 29, 2026
Jesse Eisenberg brings a Sirkian touch to this wildly entertaining film about a timid New Jersey woman who throws herself headfirst into a new thespian life after she’s cast in her local musical. Go to Full Review Paula Farmer culturevulture.net 18 hrs ago
It becomes clear that affable and traditional crowd pleaser is not cinematically in store. It doesn’t take long for this to take a delightful, albeit weird twist, and realize Moore’s character, is dynamic in both the best and oddest way. Go to Full Review Amber Wilkinson Eye for Film 4 days ago
4/5
Eisenberg’s obvious love of amateur dramatics provides The Debut with a foundation that feels akin to a warm hug. Go to Full Review David Gonzalez The Cinematic Reel Oct 6, 2026
4.5/5
As an actor, writer, and director, Eisenberg deserves a standing ovation as the curtain closes. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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The Debut

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The Debut

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Mona Friedman is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role--even if it means waging war against the show's domineering director.
Director
Jesse Eisenberg
Producer
Jesse Eisenberg, Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emma Stone
Screenwriter
Jesse Eisenberg
Distributor
A24
Production Co
A24, Fruit Tree, Topic Studios
Rating
R (Brief Drug Use|Some Sexual References|Language)
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 45m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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