Chris Rock is set to premiere “Misty Green,” his latest directorial effort, at TIFF in September. A24 is on board. A trailer has now been released for the film.
This looks like an inside-Hollywood drama about the struggle to stay relevant in an industry that can quickly forget you. It’s familiar, even a little cookie-cutter, but the cast is strong, the direction seems raw, and maybe Rock could rise above the formula?
The principal cast includes Rosalind Eleazar (“Slow Horses”), who has landed the titular lead role. Joining her is an ensemble cast featuring Rock, Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, and Anna Kendrick.
The film follows Misty Green, a once-promising actress whose career has been derailed by personal and professional setbacks. Her fortunes shift when someone from her past offers her an unexpected shot at a comeback.
Why did Rock have to cast himself as the love interest? I won’t lie, his presence in the trailer is distracting.
This will be Kaluuya’s first acting role in four years. He hasn’t appeared on screen since Jordan Peele’s “Nope.” Since then, Kaluuya has made his directorial debut with “The Kitchen,” which was released in 2023. He’s a great actor, and it’s great to see him back on screen.
Rock has directed three feature films, all comedies, with 2014’s “Top Five” receiving the strongest reviews of the bunch. “Misty Green” means we’ll have to wait a little longer for Rock’s “Pootie Tang” sequel—but that’s fine. Our patience remains undeterred.
“Misty Green” is set to release in October.