Jesse Eisenberg’s new film starring Julianne Moore to close London Film Festival

Jesse Eisenberg has said he is “honoured” that his upcoming film starring Julianne Moore will close the BFI London Film Festival (LFF).

Titled The Debut, the film follows a shy Mona Friedman (Moore) as she is unexpectedly cast in a local production of an original musical and loses herself in the role and high-stakes world of community theatre.

It will premiere in the UK at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on 18 October for the festival’s closing night gala.

Eisenberg said: “I am both honoured and honoured to be bringing The Debut to the 70th BFI London Film Festival. “What a wonderful thrill to be the Closing Night gala. I can’t wait to share the incredible performances by the cast with a London audience.”

The Debut also stars Eisenberg along with The Holdovers star Paul Giamatti and The Color Purple actress Halle Bailey.

Moore also starred in the filmmaker’s 2022 directorial debut, When You Finish Saving The World, alongside Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard.

Kristy Matheson, LFF artistic director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome writer and director Jesse Eisenberg back to the LFF to close the 70th edition of the festival with his deliriously funny and heartfelt film, The Debut.

“With its knockout performances and brilliantly sharp script, we’re excited to share this film, which will have audiences in its thrall and renewed by the joyous and soulful power of cinema.”

The Debut comes two years after Eisenberg premiered his comedy, A Real Pain, at the festival in 2024.

Starring Kieran Culkin, who won the Oscar for best supporting actor, the film follows two cousins who go to their grandmother’s home country of Poland to trace their roots.

The 70th BFI London Film Festival will take place from Wednesday 7 October until Sunday 18 October, with the full programme revealed on 2 September.