Brighton Film The Debut
A new comedy film starring Julianne Moore is coming to Brighton, telling the story of a housewife who finds her voice through community theatre. The Debut is a musical comedy that explores the transformative power of the stage.
Dir: Jesse Eisenberg
Cast: Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Jesse Eisenberg, K. Todd Freeman, Eldar Isgandarov, Susan Blommaert, Colton Ryan
105 mins · 2026 · United States of America · Cert 15 · English
The Debut has been well-received by critics, with a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a weighted average score of 78 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable" reviews. This musical comedy film, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, tells the story of Mona Friedman, a shy housewife who auditions for a community theatre company and undergoes a dramatic transformation. As Mona becomes more confident in her role, she begins to express herself fearlessly, leading to a series of humorous and unexpected events.
The film features a talented cast, including Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, and Jesse Eisenberg himself. Moore's performance as Mona is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her impressive range and versatility as an actress. With songs written by Eisenberg, The Debut is a joyful celebration of creativity and the importance of following one's dreams. The film's themes of self-discovery and empowerment are sure to resonate with audiences, making it a compelling watch.
The Debut is a 2026 American film, classified as a Music, Comedy, Drama, with a runtime of 105 minutes and a certificate of 15. The film premiered at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival and is set to be theatrically released in the United States by A24 on December 11. Viewers have been impressed by Moore's stunning performance, with some predicting that she will win Best Actress for her role. While some have noted pacing issues in the middle of the film, the overall consensus is that The Debut is a heartfelt and entertaining production.
The Debut will be screened at the Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton on Saturday, 7 November 2026. Tickets are with the button beside the article. This is a unique opportunity to see a critically acclaimed film on the big screen, with a talented cast and crew bringing the story to life. With its uplifting themes and humorous tone, The Debut is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making it a great choice for film fans in Brighton.
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What viewers say
logikloch · 8/10
Might be THE crowd pleaser of the year. Julianne Moore is gonna win Best Actress for this - she is absolutey stunning from start to finish and fully embodies the the journey from a shy, insecure housewife to a dedicated actress, and finally to a demanding, overambitious method actress. One scene in particular even got spotaneous applause by the audience. The whole theatre group and the play itself are presented in such a heartfelt way, it's hard…
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