The Debut

Mona Friedman is a shy and, above all, unassuming housewife in New Jersey. Nobody pays her much attention, not even her husband and children. One day, she hears that auditions are being held in the neighbourhood for a musical: Nosy Neighbours. It sounds like her sort of thing, so she sets her sights on the small role of the caretaker, Miss Danielle. However, the part goes to her direct rival, but when she drops out, director Jerry decides to cast her after all. He is determined to bring the character to life within her. As he does so, Mona learns a great deal about herself.

In this sparkling comedy, director Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain) shows what’s involved in the craft of acting. How do you bring something of yourself to a role when there isn’t much inside you? What happens when you lose yourself in a role? The lead roles are played with verve by Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti.