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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
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90% Tomatometer 51 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

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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Neil Young Sight & Sound 2 days ago
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 Siddhant Adlakha Observer Sep 23, 2026
3.5/4
A funny, folksy, ludicrously invigorating tale of a mousey suburban housewife finding herself through the stage, before getting lost all over again. Go to Full Review Kristy Puchko Mashable Sep 23, 2026
Don't just see it. See it in theaters, where you can be swallowed by the raucous laughter of strangers. Go to Full Review Edward Douglas The Weekend Warrior (Substack) 2 hrs ago
8.5/10
A wonderful and hilarious crowd-pleaser of a movie, another absolute winner from Eisenberg. (Video Review) Go to Full Review Lexi Amoriello Movie Recs by Lex 5 hrs ago
His third feature film might just be his best one yet, a delightful, wildly hilarious, and irresistibly charming musical comedy bolstered by phenomenal performances from Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. Go to Full Review Ricardo Rosado Fotogramas 3 days ago
4/5
Eisenberg delivers his most brilliant film to date. His most daring, his funniest, and above all, the first that truly works as a complete film, not just an anecdote stretched to its limits. [Full review in Spanish] 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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