#TIFF26: “THE DEBUT” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

Jesse Eisenberg’s third feature is an unmissable crowd-pleaser.

Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore) is a stuck suburban housewife. Her husband and children pay her no attention she might as well be a ghost in their house. So, when a role with a community theatre company arises, she leaps at the opportunity to audition. Lacking the talent and confidence for the part, she doesn’t land it…at first. But when the actor who did drops out, she finally gets to take centre stage.

The Debut is a brilliant dark comedy that hits every mark. What has become Eisenberg’s signature humour works perfectly in this delightful story about how art can be a mirror to see ourselves through. Mona is the type of woman who would apologize for sneezing. Quiet as a church mouse, devoted wife, a kind of sacrificial lamb. But all that changes once she discovers the community theatre world.

The role Mona is playing is the polar opposite of who she is. Theatre director Jerry (a fantastic Paul Giamatti) doesn’t believe Mona has what it takes and pushes her to test the limits of what she can bring to the role. This sends her on a journey through the method acting rabbit hole that will change her life forever. Mona is perfectly portrayed by Moore, who gives an astounding performance loaded with heart, humour, and pain.

With The Debut, Eisenberg pays tribute to the self-seriousness of community theatre, the power of art, and how it’s never too late to change your life. Do not miss this!

The Debut screens at TIFF ’26:

Sun. Sept 13 @ 6:15 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Mon. Sept 14 @ 8:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Thur. Sept 17 @ 2 PM at TIFF Lightbox