\In the upcoming dramedy, Ezra, a struggling comedian and his autistic son go on a life-changing cross-country road trip. Directed by Tony Goldwyn, the film follows Max Bernaal (Bobby Cannavale) and his son Ezra (William A. Fitzgerald) as they face crucial decisions about Ezra’s future. With its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023, Ezra has generated positive buzz among critics, particularly praising the performances and dynamics between Cannavale and Fitzgerald.
The film follows Max, a divorced dad trying to give his son the best life possible, but also struggling with his own agent telling him what his son can and can’t do. Max decides to take his son on a cross-country road trip to LA for a potential appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, rather than taking a plane. This impromptu journey has a profound impact on both characters, exploring the complexities of family relationships and the importance of compassion and understanding.
Robert De Niro (Via IMDB)
The cast also features Robert De Niro as Max’s well-meaning but condescending father, Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Daphne Rubin-Vega in supporting roles. Acting debuting William A. Fitzgerald shines as the autistic son Ezra. Director Tony Goldwyn is no stranger to the industry, having worked on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Dexter.
In other father-son stories like Ezra, we have films like “Chef” (2014), where Carl Casper’s passion for cooking is matched by his desire to reconnect with his son. “Big Daddy” (1999) showcases Adam Sandler’s likable father-son story, while “Real Steel” (2011) presents a unique take on father-son relationships through the lens of boxing robots. These films, like Ezra, highlight the complexities and power of family relationships.
