New Movies: Fresh Kills (2023) by Jennifer Esposito

Fresh Kills (2023): Women Trapped in the Mob's Shadow

Description: "Fresh Kills" is a 2023 American crime drama, marking the directorial and screenwriting debut of Jennifer Esposito. The film offers a unique perspective on the traditional mob genre by focusing exclusively on the experiences of the women within an organized crime family. Set in late 20th-century Staten Island, New York City, it follows the loyal women of the Larusso family as they grapple with the unspoken rules, fear, and violence that dictate their lives, exploring their desire for freedom and voice within a world that seeks to silence them. Notably, the film was financed and produced independently with an all-female cast and crew.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15782954/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/fresh-kills-review-1235831815/

About movie: https://www.quiverdistribution.com/copy-of-slate/fresh-kills

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/fresh-kills (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/fresh-kills (Canada)

Detailed Summary: Set in the late 1980s, "Fresh Kills" introduces us to the Larusso family as they move from Brooklyn to Staten Island, seeking a new life. Joe Larusso (Domenick Lombardozzi) is an emerging mafia kingpin, while his wife Francine (Jennifer Esposito) strives to maintain a semblance of normalcy. The story primarily revolves around their two daughters: Connie (Odessa A'zion), a rebellious and destructive spirit, and the younger, more inquisitive and withdrawn Rose (Emily Bader).

As Rose reluctantly comes to terms with her father's criminal ties and her place within this world, she, along with her mother and sister, is forced to confront the harsh realities of a life dictated by fear, violence, and rigid unspoken rules. The film delves deep into the psychological and emotional toll this lifestyle takes on the women, who are expected to turn a blind eye to the illicit activities from which they both benefit and suffer. Rose's burgeoning desire to break free from the predetermined path threatens not only her own existence but also creates conflict with her closest allies—her mother and sister—who are entrenched in the mob's culture. "Fresh Kills" offers a raw and intimate portrayal of their struggles, highlighting their resilience and their quest for agency and identity in a male-dominated, oppressive environment.

Plot Summary:

• Mob Family Relocation: The Larusso family, led by a rising mafia figure, moves to Staten Island in the late 1980s.

• Female Perspective: The story focuses on the experiences of the women—mother Francine and daughters Connie and Rose—within this crime family.

• Loss of Innocence & Aspiration for Freedom: Youngest daughter Rose reluctantly discovers her father's criminal ties and grapples with her desire to escape the family's predetermined life.

• Confronting Unspoken Rules: The women face fear, violence, and strict codes, leading to internal conflict and a search for their own voices and identities.

Director's Vision: Jennifer Esposito's vision for "Fresh Kills" is to provide a fresh, unseen perspective on the familiar mob genre by centering the narrative entirely on the women. She aims to show the "disease that people don't understand," referring to the insidious effects of organized crime on the wives and daughters who are often overlooked in such stories. Esposito intended to explore themes of inherited trauma, the search for identity, and the struggle to find one's voice in a world that demands silence. Her commitment to this vision was so strong that she mortgaged her own home to finance the film after facing industry resistance, particularly regarding casting "big-name men." The film was shot with an all-female cast and crew and reportedly financed by all-female investors, making it a groundbreaking effort for gender equality in filmmaking.

Themes:

• Female Agency & Voice: The central theme revolves around women finding their voice and autonomy in an oppressive, patriarchal environment.

• Intergenerational Trauma: Explores how the violence and fear of the mob lifestyle are passed down through generations, affecting the women's choices and identities.

• Family & Loyalty vs. Self-Preservation: Examines the complex bonds within a crime family, where loyalty can be both a source of strength and a cage.

• Loss of Innocence & Coming of Age: Particularly through Rose's character, the film explores the painful realization of a harsh reality and the difficult journey toward self-discovery.

• The Unseen Side of Organized Crime: Offers a nuanced look at the domestic and emotional impact of the mob, contrasting with typical action-oriented portrayals.

Key Success Factors:

• Unique Perspective: Shifting the focus from male gangsters to the women in their lives offers a fresh and compelling take on a well-worn genre.

• Jennifer Esposito's Debut: As a well-known actress, her directorial debut garnered significant interest, showcasing her vision and determination.

• All-Female Production: The conscious decision for an all-female cast and crew, along with female investors, highlights a commitment to gender equality in the film industry.

• Strong Performances: The cast, including Esposito herself, Annabella Sciorra, Emily Bader, and Odessa A'zion, delivers raw and empathetic portrayals.

• Authentic Atmosphere: Set in Staten Island, the film aims for a gritty and realistic portrayal of the environment and era.

Summary Short: "Fresh Kills" (2023) is a crime drama, the directorial debut of Jennifer Esposito, who also wrote and stars in it. Set in late 20th-century Staten Island, it uniquely focuses on the women of a mob family as they navigate loyalty, violence, and their search for identity and freedom. Known for its all-female cast and crew, the film premiered at Tribeca in June 2023 and had its wide US release on June 14, 2024.

Awards and Nominations:

• Official Selection: Tribeca Film Festival 2023 (World Premiere)

• Official Selection: Red Sea International Film Festival 2023

• Official Selection: Cinequest 2024

Specific major awards/nominations are still emerging as the film gains wider distribution.

Critics Reception: Critical reception for "Fresh Kills" has been mixed to positive, with many acknowledging its unique perspective and strong performances, though some found issues with pacing or narrative focus.

• IndieWire: Praised Jennifer Esposito for putting "the women in the spotlight," noting that "Fresh Kills" is "less about the mafia world and more about the journey of the women in it."

• Variety (Dennis Harvey): Described it as a "solid drama" that "centers on a family not unlike 'The Sopranos,' but with its patriarch mostly pushed to the background. The focus here is on wives and daughters, who must turn a blind eye to criminal doings from which they both benefit and suffer the consequences."

• IMDb User Reviews: Reflect a range, with some calling it "intimate and raw," "phenomenal acting," and a "powerful message," while others noted pacing issues or a "barely there" plot.

• Overall Summary: Critics generally commend Esposito's ambitious vision and the strong performances, particularly from the female leads, for offering a much-needed female lens on the mob genre.

Reviews: Reviews emphasize the film's unique approach and emotional depth:

• Crystal Levy (Independent Critic): Described it as a "powerful narrative about finding one's voice in a world that often tells you to remain silent," highlighting its focus on female resilience and self-expression.

• Gazettely: Called it "Jennifer Esposito's Thoughtful Take on the Mafia Genre," praising its ability to explore the emotional and psychological intricacies of life within a Staten Island mob family.

• Pacing Criticisms: Some reviews, including user reviews, mentioned that the film could suffer from pacing issues, suggesting that a tighter edit might have improved engagement for some viewers.

• Emphasis on Drama: Reviewers consistently noted that "Fresh Kills" leans heavily into drama, focusing on personal and familial relationships rather than high-stakes action typically associated with crime dramas. This was either a strength or a point of contention for viewers.

• Overall Summary: Reviewers largely agree that "Fresh Kills" is a significant departure from traditional mob films, offering an intimate, character-driven drama about women's struggles for identity and freedom within a restrictive world.

Box Office: "Fresh Kills" is an independent film. As of current information (July 2024), its reported box office gross is $68,310. This figure represents its limited theatrical release in the United States and highlights its independent funding model.

Production: "Fresh Kills (2023)" is an American drama film. It has a runtime of 120 minutes (2 hours). It is presented in color and in English. The film was written, directed, and co-produced by Jennifer Esposito. It was notably the first film financed and traded by a global fan base, and Jennifer Esposito reportedly mortgaged her own home to help finance the production, underscoring its independent nature. The film was also made with an all-female cast and crew, a deliberate choice by Esposito.

Production Companies:

• Rebellious Act Project

• Owen Media Group

• Faliro House Productions

Sales Companies:

• The Exchange (Non-US sales)

• Range Media Partners (World-wide, 2023)

Distribution Companies:

• Quiver Distribution (United States, theatrical & VOD/video)

Release Date on Streaming: "Fresh Kills" became available for digital rental and purchase on platforms in the United States starting June 14, 2024, following its limited theatrical release.

Theatrical Release:

• World Premiere: Tribeca Film Festival – June 16, 2023

• United States Theatrical Release: June 14, 2024 (Limited)

• Also screened at the Red Sea International Film Festival (November 2023) and Cinequest (March 2024).

Why You Should Watch This Movie:

• A Unique Perspective on the Mob Genre: Unlike traditional crime dramas, "Fresh Kills" boldly puts the women front and center, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into their lives within a criminal family.

• Jennifer Esposito's Directorial Debut: Witness a seasoned actress step behind the camera to deliver a passionate, personal, and meticulously crafted story that defies industry norms.

• Support Independent Filmmaking: The film's remarkable journey, funded by its director mortgaging her home and featuring an all-female cast and crew, makes it a powerful example of true independent spirit.

• Strong Female Performances: The movie boasts powerful and nuanced portrayals from Jennifer Esposito, Emily Bader, and Odessa A'zion, who bring depth and authenticity to their complex characters.

• Timely and Relevant Themes: It explores themes of female agency, generational trauma, and the struggle for identity in a way that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If you're interested in fresh takes on classic genres: It redefines the mob drama by focusing on women.

• To support women in film: Directed, written, and produced by a woman, with an all-female cast and crew.

• For powerful character-driven drama: The film prioritizes the emotional and psychological journeys of its characters.

• If you appreciate independent cinema with a strong vision: It's a passion project that pushed boundaries in its making.

• To explore themes of family, loyalty, and freedom: It delves into complex human relationships under duress.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Female-Centric Narratives & Reclaiming Genres: The film strongly aligns with the growing trend of giving voice to marginalized perspectives within established genres, particularly by showcasing women in traditionally male-dominated spaces. It also follows the trend of independent films tackling social issues with a raw, authentic style.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: "Fresh Kills" directly engages with the contemporary conversation around gender equality and female empowerment, not only in its narrative (women finding their voice) but also in its production (all-female crew, female investors). It also touches on generational trauma and the ongoing impact of difficult family environments.

Final Verdict: "Fresh Kills (2023)" is a significant and courageous directorial debut for Jennifer Esposito. It offers a necessary and compelling re-framing of the mob genre, prioritizing the often-unheard experiences of the women caught within its web. While its pacing might be a point of discussion for some viewers, its raw honesty, strong performances, and the sheer audacity of its all-female independent production make it a must-watch. It's a powerful statement film that will resonate with audiences interested in character-driven dramas, women's stories, and the independent spirit of filmmaking.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Trust Your Unique Vision: Don't be deterred if your story doesn't fit conventional molds or face initial industry resistance.

• Empower Underrepresented Voices: Actively seek out and involve diverse talent both in front of and behind the camera, as it can bring new perspectives and authenticity to your film.

• Explore Alternative Funding Models: For passion projects, consider crowdfunding, private investors, or self-financing to maintain creative control when traditional avenues are closed.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Invest in Diverse Storytelling: Actively seek out and support narratives that offer fresh perspectives on familiar genres, particularly from underrepresented creators.

• Recognize the Value of Independent Films: Understand that groundbreaking storytelling and emerging talent often come from the independent sector, even with smaller budgets.

• Champion Gender Equality: Continue to promote and fund projects with significant female representation in key creative roles, acknowledging their talent and the unique stories they can tell.