The Debut – ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

THE DEBUT (SSIFF 2026) – Review by Jennifer Green

September 21, 2026September 23, 2026 Jennifer Green jesse eisenberg, julianne moore, paul giamatti, San Sebastian International Film Festival, SSIFF 2026, The Debut

Julianne Moore gives a stellar performance as a middle-aged woman who’s become invisible to even those closest to her, in Jesse Eisenberg’s pitch perfect comedy The Debut, premiering in competition at the San Sebastian International Film Festival (Sept 18-26). Moore’s Mona is ignored by her husband and, as he cruelly jokes at dinner with friends, serves no role now that her teenaged twins can drive. When she lands a part in a musical production at a local community theater, directed by despot Jerry (Paul Giamatti), she finds new purpose—which ultimately takes her down a dangerous path.

Festivals

Telluride Film Festival 2026 Overview (Part One) – Diane Carson reports

September 11, 2026September 17, 2026 Diane Carson Elsinore, jennifer peedom, Pegah Ahangarani, rebecca hall, Rehearsals for a Revolution, Rose, Sandra Hüller, Telluride Film Festival 2026, Tender Loving Care, Tenzing, The Debut, The Man I Love

Familiar issues of cultural and national politics with the accompanying struggle for personal freedom and identity dominated the outstanding films showcased at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival, always held Labor Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado. Nonfiction and fiction, American and international, historical and contemporary—all the selections offered strong presentations of themes and concerns relevant to the current ideological environment.