Cinecity 2026: The Debut

Dir: Jesse Eisenberg
Cast: Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Jesse Eisenberg, Cara Buono
105 mins · 2026 · USA · Cert 12A
Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial follow-up to the award-winning A Real Pain is a gloriously funny and off the wall comedy featuring a tour de force performance by Julianne Moore.
Moore plays timid housewife Mona, whose life changes dramatically when she auditions for a community theatre company and is cast in a starring role. Under the guidance of theatre director Jerry (the excellent Paul Giamatti), Mona gradually transforms into someone totally committed to expressing herself fearlessly, by whatever means necessary. The film is a dazzling showcase for Moore whose credits include Still Alice, The Hours and Far From Heaven. With songs by Eisenberg, who also features in the cast, The Debut revels in the joy of creativity and the belief that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.