After premiering last Fall at TIFF ’23, we get a new Trailer for May 31, 2024 release, EZRA from VVS Films.
SYNOPSIS:
A touching portrait of family and friendship, EZRA follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. Directed by Tony Goldwyn, who also appears in the film alongside additional cast members Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, Ezra is an endeari
CAST: Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, Tony Goldwyn, William A. Fitzgerald, Robert De Niro
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
By George Kozera
EZRA opens with stand-up comedian Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale) as he regales the audience at a comedy club with funny and insightful observations, some of which include his being a father of an autistic son named Ezra (William Fitzgerald), who lives with his soon-to-be ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne). Max, who was once a successful comedy writer, now lives with his father Stan (Robert De Niro), a no nonsense, pugilistic individual who had been fired from many high-profile establishments as a chef due to his aggressive personality and is now a hotel doorman.
Ezra is a highly-intelligent young boy, and he has a few triggering moments (hugs, metal cutlery, bananas) but his latest outburst at school, potentially putting other students in jeopardy may put his time at the school in jeopardy. Rather than being expelled, Max and Jenna agree to take him to be diagnosed by a doctor, who recommends that not only Ezra be enrolled into a special needs school, he needs to start taking Risperdal, an antipsychotic and Jenna supports this plan of action. Max wholeheartedly disagrees and after seeing his son overly medicated and somnambulistic at the schoolyard during recess, he hatches a rather not fully conceived plan and abducts Ezra in the middle of the night and the two drive off in Stan’s classic convertible. While on the road, Max hears from his agent (Whoopi Goldberg) that she successfully booked him to be on the Jimmy Kimmel Show the following Friday and then discovers that an Amber Alert has been summoned to find the father and son.
There are numerous reasons I fell in love with EZRA starting with the impeccable performance from Cannavale. Always memorable in feature film supporting roles, in this movie he shows how genuinely talented and dynamic he is an actor, both dramatically and comedically. Newcomer William Fitzgerald brings authenticity and subtlety in a tour de force performance. This is Robert De Niro’s finest supporting work in some time, namely “Silver Linings Playbook”. Being a fan of Rose Byrne, she effortlessly portrays the many emotions her character is going through. It is evident that Director Tony Goldwyn (also in the Movie playing Jenna’s new boyfriend) loves and respects the acting craft and allows Rainn Wilson (The Office) and Vera Farmiga (Oscar-nominated for “Up in the Air”) to shine in their pivotal supporting turns.
The Cinematography is glorious, and I truly appreciated that. That being said, it did not pull at the emotional strings that leaves one weeping. It was just right. Fun fact: Screenwriter Tony Spiradakis used his own challenges with parenting an autistic son as inspiration for the movie.
EZRA screens at TIFF ’23:
Thursday, September 14, 9:30PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox
This looks like fun! The Cast and Crew behind new Series EZRA celebrated its release earlier this week. EZRA is streaming now on OUTtv (Canada) and the OUTtv channel on AppleTV+ and Amazon Prime (USA) with new episodes releasing weekly, in short quick bingey portions.
Synopsis:
EZRA is a new age take on a classic coming out story and focuses on Ezra Grey, played by Luke Hutchie. After fleeing the dark and demonic chains of his shadowy old home, Ezra, a killer gay vampire, takes a leap of faith and enters the modern world. In doing so, he is forced to navigate his own insecurities and supernatural tribulations.
See the first full episode here:
Some Snaps from the Premiere:
Cast L to R: Zoé De Grand Maison, Kara Duncan, Daniella Dela Pena, Danny Vo, Chelsea Clark, Luke Hutchie, Veronika Slowikowska, Matthew Finlan and Augusto Butter
(Photo/video credit: Out TV/Krystle Merrow)
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