Synopsis from IMDb: Comedian Max co-parents autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra’s future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip.
This synopsis is very brief and does not relay much more than it needs to. Once I learned that Bobby Cannavale was in the lead as Ezra’s father, I highly anticipated viewing the film. For over slightly over 20 years, I have seen this actor in so many productions, portraying many characters, and even if the roles were small, he played them effectively and memorably. I don’t initially recall viewing him in the role of a parent, especially to an autistic child, and he does so very well even if the choices he makes are not the best even with good intentions. Some of this may make some viewers want to turn away from watching the film, but I do not suggest that. This is a family drama and a version of what one family is going through – among many stories that can be told of families with family members who have autism. The adult performances are all great from veteran actors, but the debut performance by William Fitzgerald as young Ezra is certainly one not to miss.
Ezra had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023. At the Boulder International Film Festival (2024) it is the winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Film. At the Sun Valley Film Festival (2024) it is the Audience Award Feature Film winner and Bobby Cannavale won the Best Performance in a Film.
Ezra is directed by Tony Goldwyn (“Scandal” TV series, among many others as well as notable actor) and is written by Tony Spiridakis (“The Heights” TV series). Ezra (William Fitzgerald) is the 11-year-old autistic son of Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale) and Jenna (Rose Byrne) who he is currently separated from. Max is still very much in love with Jenna, but she has a lawyer boyfriend, Bruce (Tony Goldwyn) and is moving forward with her life. They continue to act as a family regarding Ezra, but they are not on the same page about his educational institutions, medications and more. Ezra appears caught in the middle, but when he hears Bruce tell Jenna something about Max, the child takes an unexpected action.
Max is a stand-up comedian, who is living with his father Stan (Robert De Niro) while separated from Jenna. They have their challenges living together, as he does not understand Max’s ideas completely yet is supportive of him and his grandson. It is great having De Niro in the film as the grandfather and his performance is great as usual without being overplayed or being center stage. While the adults spend most of the time arguing and/or discussing how to parent Ezra, the audience learns about his personality, how many quotes from movies he uses as part of his communication and some things he does not want to use or do. Fitzgerald is an awesome actor in his debut and one to watch again.
Cast: also includes Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, and others
The film is rated R and in theatres nationwide (several in the Austin area) on Friday, May 31st.
Source: Bleecker Street
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