On Nov. 29, A24 released a preview for its new family dramedy, “When You Finish Saving the World.” Based on the trailer and the impressive cast — including Julianne Moore and “Stranger Things” star Finn Wolfhard — it looks like we’ll be adding this coming-of-age film to the top of our movie-watching list for 2023.
The story follows the relationship between a mother, Evelyn (Julianne Moore), and her naive, but talented, teenage son, Ziggy (Finn Wolfhard). As Ziggy balances a high school crush, finding privacy at home, and his impressive online presence as a musician, his mother serves endangered youth at a local shelter. Like many mother-son relationships, Ziggy’s youthful oblivion and his mother’s logical and loving demeanor clash in their shared household.
Jesse Eisenberg will make his directorial debut with “When You Finish Saving the World” and is also the writer of the film. The script is based on Eisenberg’s original audio series of the same name, featured on Audible in 2020. He has previously starred in projects like “The Social Network” (as Mark Zuckerberg), “Now You See Me” (as J. Daniel Atlas), and more.
This is absolutely not the first time A24 has tackled a lighthearted, yet thoughtful and resonant coming-of-age story like “When You Finish Saving the World.” Previously, the studio produced “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Lady Bird,” “Eighth Grade,” and “The Florida Project,” which are just a few of its films centered around complex family dynamics, as well as the trials and tribulations of growing up. A24 is also responsible for popular releases including “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” “Midsommar,” and “Zola.”
Ahead, see the trailer, cast, and release date for “When You Finish Saving the World.”