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The Debut

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for The Debut R In Theaters Dec 11 1h 45m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 44 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Verified Ratings
When Mona Friedman is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role--even if it means waging war against the show's domineering director.
Coming Soon In Theaters Dec 11 Notify Me

Cast & Crew

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Jesse Eisenberg

Director

Julianne Moore

Mona Friedman

Paul Giamatti

Jerry

Halle Bailey

Stef

Jesse Eisenberg

Todd

Cara Buono

Cassie

Critics Reviews

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Siddhant Adlakha Observer 2 days ago
3.5/4
A funny, folksy, ludicrously invigorating tale of a mousey suburban housewife finding herself through the stage, before getting lost all over again. Go to Full Review Kristy Puchko Mashable 2 days ago
Don't just see it. See it in theaters, where you can be swallowed by the raucous laughter of strangers. Go to Full Review Barry Levitt Time Out 3 days ago
5/5
[Jesse Eisenberg has] proven his talent as a director twice previously, but The Debut is his most accomplished film to date. It’s whip-smart and exceptionally funny. Go to Full Review Walter Chaw Film Freak Central 1 day ago
1/4
Eisenberg’s flop sweat-infused The Debut marries Waiting for Guffman’s misfits of community theater premise with a full-on theater kid panic attack. Go to Full Review Nick Johnston Vanyaland 2 days ago
Mona’s perspective on the magic of that initial experience and the wonder she feels on her first day might echo a powerful memory for Eisenberg, and that heart is what makes The Debut hit harder than any of his other films. Go to Full Review Abe Friedtanzer Awards Buzz 5 days ago
8/10
Moore is firing on all cylinders in the best possible way, a wondrous surprise that feels like both a building upon and a surprising contradiction of much of her past work. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
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The Debut

The Debut: Trailer 1 The Debut: Trailer 1 2:24 Now Playing View more videos
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The Debut

The Debut (2026) The Debut (2026) The Debut (2026) The Debut (2026) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When Mona Friedman is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role--even if it means waging war against the show's domineering director.
Director
Jesse Eisenberg
Producer
Jesse Eisenberg, Ali Herting, Dave McCary, Emma Stone
Screenwriter
Jesse Eisenberg
Distributor
A24
Production Co
A24, Fruit Tree, Topic Studios
Rating
R (Brief Drug Use|Some Sexual References|Language)
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 11, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 45m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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