Rotten Tomatoes
Suggestions will appear as you start typing. Submit search Movies Tv shows RT App News Showtimes

The Debut

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for The Debut R In Theaters Dec 11 1h 45m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
91% Tomatometer 66 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
The Debut

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Wryly teasing the self-seriousness of community theater while still recognizing the transformative power of the stage, The Debut is an acerbic gem from Jesse Eisenberg, enlivened by Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti at the peak of their powers.

Read Critics Reviews

Cast & Crew

View All

Jesse Eisenberg

Director

Julianne Moore

Mona Friedman

Paul Giamatti

Jerry

Halle Bailey

Stef

Jesse Eisenberg

Todd

Cara Buono

Cassie

Critics Reviews

View More
Robbie Collin Daily Telegraph (UK) 11 hrs ago
5/5
You are watching a woman who can’t act being played by a woman who very much can, and the result is as psychologically scrambling as it is spiritually elating. Go to Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) 1 day ago
2/5
Much of the movie, alas, is tonally uncertain and Eisenberg, whose direction in A Real Pain was utterly assured, mostly delivers a faltering mishmash, part backstage pillory, part Lynchian nightmare, part luvvie life lesson. Go to Full Review Kyle Turner Slant Magazine Oct 6, 2026
3/4
Julianne Moore gives a delicate, dexterous performance as a housewife who finds freedom by stepping into the spotlight. Go to Full Review Gisela Savdie El Heraldo 19 hrs ago
The film, which touches on genres such as the musical, psychological drama, comedy, and a touch of the thriller, ends up being a true ode to traditional theater. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Christopher Lloyd The Film Yap 2 days ago
4/5
Julianne Moore gives another winning performance in this off-kilter black comedy from Jesse Eisenberg about a meek suburban mom who lands a role in a community play. With Paul Giamatti. Go to Full Review Andrew Auger Pop Culture Leftovers 2 days ago
Eisenberg nails that life-or-death feeling of theater in his new dramedy, The Debut. It is another terrifically entertaining film from the actor-turned-director: funny and a little sad, a strong character study, and a great showcase for Julianne Moore Go to Full Review Read all reviews
View All

The Debut

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

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)
Join The Newsletter Join The Newsletter Cookie Settings