Jesse Eisenberg’s film “The Debut” officially opened the 45th annual Vancouver International Film Festival on Thursday.
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Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut” officially opened the 45th annual Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) on Thursday.
The film stars Julianne Moore as Mona, an unassuming housewife who feels ignored, taken for granted, and belittled, and who auditions for a local play. Paul Giamatti plays Jerry, the play’s director. Set in New Jersey, “The Debut” is described as part drama, part musical, and part fairy tale.
VIFF executive director Kyle Fostner said the film is funny while being tense and challenging. He described it as having “a kind of absurdist quality” with “a nice approachability,” while still having “an edge to it” as an A24 film.
Fostner said he and the festival’s director of programming spent considerable time deciding which title should open VIFF, adding that “The Debut” “just felt like the right note to open the festival on.” He also said he recommends audiences see Moore’s performance, describing her as “incredible” in the film.
In addition to opening the festival, “The Debut” plays at the Park Theatre on Oct. 2. The film is set for a wide release in theatres across Canada on Dec. 18, and VIFF runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 11.
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