Meadow Lane will be Nussdorf’s first major opening and marks his official leap into the world of gourmet groceries. Before this chapter, he worked in venture capital for about six years, investing in a range of brands, some food-related. Retail, he tells me, is a completely different challenge though.
“I’m honored and humbled that people are this excited for something,” Nussdorf told me when I visited the store at 355 Greenwich Street. “I am super passionate about it, of course,” he added, “but I feel like a lot of people are equally as passionate about it, which is shocking to me.”
An upscale grocer focused on natural produce isn’t exactly a new concept, especially for health-conscious shoppers in major cities. There’s Erewhon, the LA staple founded in 1966 by Michio and Aveline Kushi, where $20 can buy you the “Hailey Bieber smoothie” and likely a few extra TikTok followers. Eataly has great authentic Italian produce and pantry staples at its outposts, located in places like New York, Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles. And at Butterfield Market on the Upper East Side and Bonberi Mart in the West Village, you can stock up on fruit, vegetables, and prepackaged meals, equally delicious with very New York price tags.
But Nussdorf’s timing coincides with a new era of wellness. Functional nutrition is the latest thing for young consumers. From “protein-packed potato chips” to “cognition-enhancing mocktails,” there’s a flurry of new products that target everything from better sleep to gut health, according to McKinsey’s recently released Future of Wellness Survey. The same report says that in the US, UK, and Germany approximately two thirds of Gen Z and millennials say they bought functional-nutrition products last year, and much of what Meadow Lane stocks (matcha from Montauk General Store, speciality oils and vinegars, Sun Elixir juices) sits squarely in that niche.
Tribeca Festival head Jane Rosenthal sees in the classic song “New York, New York” — with the memorable line “if I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere” — the inspiration in helping launch Tribeca Festival Lisboa in Portugal.
“I was always inspired by that song. When I was a kid growing up, I was inspired by ‘New York, New York,’” Rosenthal told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday in Lisbon. But she insisted an increasingly global entertainment industry has moved on since she and Robert De Niro co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival nearly 25 years ago after the 9/11 attacks in New York City.
“There’s so many other places that if you make it there, you can make it anywhere,” Rosenthal added. She also said Tribeca was bringing its programming to Tribeca Festival Lisboa but aimed to put a local touch on the Portuguese event, now in its second year, by bringing in the local media industry as collaborators.
“It’s not about putting our mark and making it a Tribeca Festival. The Tribeca Festival belongs in New York. It is very much New York,” Rosenthal argued. But what Tribeca does bring to Lisbon is its infrastructure and expertise after its programmers have gone worldwide to find the best in media content.
“It’s been wonderful to come to a city, a country that doesn’t have that kind of infrastructure, but as a community is in need of that. Our partners here really want to support artists and to support storytelling,” Rosenthal said.
She also comes to Lisbon this week ahead of handing over the reins as Tribeca Enterprises CEO to Rebecca Glashow, most recently CEO of the BBC global media and streaming division. Rosenthal said the idea of passing on the baton at Tribeca had been in our mind for some time.
“I’m a creative producer. I have been making movies even while being CEO,” she explained. “I want at this stage of my life to be able to work on more of those projects, as well as work on more of the content and brand work that we do at Tribeca without the day-to-day operational work that you have to do as CEO.”
“After 25 years, I don’t think I have anything else to explain or tell,” Rosenthal added. She will assume the role of co-chair of the board alongside chairman James Murdoch and will help oversee the Tribeca Festival into its 25th anniversary and remain a key advisor to the Tribeca brand.
“Bob and I started this baby. I don’t think you turn around and walk away from your kids very easily,” she insisted. Rosenthal will work with Glashow to mark the Tribeca Festival’s 25th anniversary in 2026.
But she isn’t giving much away as plans for the major milestone have yet to be hammered out: “I would be so happy to tell you what I’m going to do if I actually knew. We’re still in very early stages of our programming.”
Rosenthal does expect many filmmakers who were discovered at Tribeca to return for the anniversary, as well as people who began as interns at the festival before going on to major careers in the entertainment business.
The Tribeca Festival Lisboa continues through Nov. 1.
Tribeca Films, the distribution label from Tribeca Enterprises and Giant Pictures, has set multi-year partnerships with Kanopy and Kinema to stream the label’s catalog of independent festival films.
The first-of-their-kind output agreements will make it easier for festival favorites to reach wider audiences. And the deals create important revenue structures for independent films.
Tribeca is the first festival to license films with Kanopy and Kinema, and Kanopy is the exclusive educational and public library streaming partner for the label.
Kanopy works with libraries and universities to stream content without fees or commercials and Kinema is a direct-to-consumer exhibition platform, with a “pay what you wish” feature, for filmmakers and non-theatrical distributors to deliver live screenings to audiences in person or virtually on demand.
“Tribeca is a leading destination for filmmakers—from developing a project with Tribeca Studios, premiering at the annual Festival, to distributing with Tribeca Films. We seek to champion independent cinema, and there are no better partners than Kanopy and Kinema,” Tribeca CEO and co-founder Jane Rosenthal said in a statement. “More people deserve access to great films. These output deals will make it even easier for wider audiences to discover and watch festival favorites using a library card or attending a local screening event.”
Kinema CEO Christie Marchese added: “Tribeca Films is known for making some of the world’s most creative and original films, which is why we’re thrilled to help expand their distribution footprint and allow our growing audience of movie-lovers to watch these titles wherever and whenever they wish.”
And OverDrive, the company behind Kanopy, executive vp, content, Jason Tyrrell said, “At Kanopy, our mission is to bring diverse and meaningful films to public libraries and universities, offering a carefully curated selection of cinema to viewers everywhere. This partnership with Tribeca Films allows us to amplify that mission by providing exclusive access to some of the most acclaimed festival films, making it possible for more audiences to discover and enjoy these incredible stories.”
Tribeca Films has more than 50 titles in its library and the first collection of films under the agreement are 2022 Tribeca Festival best narrative winner Good Girl Jane; Mary Heilmann: Waves, Roads, & Hallucinations; A Bronx Tale; and In Her Name. Additionally, the following titles are now available on Kinema: Nude Tuesday, Roving Women, Listen Up Philip and My Awkward Sexual Adventure.
Both deals were negotiated by Nick Savva for Tribeca Films with Tyrrell for OverDrive and Marchese for Kinema.
Near the end of Jennie Livingston’s Paris Is Burning, Venus Xtravaganza, an Italian Puerto Rican ballroom dancer who was one of the landmark queer doc’s subjects, describes a harrowing near-death experience. While Venus was hustling as a sex worker, a client realized she was a trans woman and reacted violently. “You’re a freak,” Venus recalls the man saying to her, “I should kill you.” Rattled by the threat, Venus grabbed her bag and jumped out of the window. The story is particularly haunting because a few scenes later, Venus’ house mother, Angie, reveals that the young ballroom performer was found strangled to death in a Manhattan hotel. “She was like my right hand,” Angie says. “I miss her.”
The depth of Venus’ loss is acutely felt in Kimberly Reed’s affecting documentary I’m Your Venus. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, is one of the last projects produced by Jeff Skoll’s Participant Media, which is shutting down after a 20-year run.
I’m Your Venus
The Bottom Line
A moving and worthy tribute.
Venue: Tribeca Film Festival (Spotlight Documentary) Director: Kimberly Reed
1 hour 25 minutes
It is both a posthumous biography of the drag queen and a record of her biological and ballroom families’ attempts to honor her legacy. In chronicling the experiences of these significantly different groups, both with deep love for Venus, Reed (Dark Money) constructs a humanizing portrait of the legendary performer and offers a blueprint for community healing.
Combining verité footage shot by DPs Rose Bush and Joshua Z. Weinstein with re-edited excerpts from Paris Is Burning, Reed threads the past and the present to create a conversation between Venus and her surviving biological family members. I’m Your Venus opens with now famous scenes of its subject in Livingston’s film, with voiceovers from her brothers, who exult her legacy. “She will always be a Pellagatti,” one brother says with pride.
But the reality of that statement is fraught with a history of misunderstanding, rejection and violence. Before absconding from Jersey City to New York, Venus lived with her grandmother, who loved and supported her in a way that the rest of the family couldn’t.
Later interviews with Venus’ surviving brothers Joe, John and Louie Pellagatti reveal how the three men struggled to accept their sister. They are candid about how repudiating her identity drove her away. Now, more than 30 years later, they want to honor Venus’ memory by posthumously changing her legal name so they can order a new tombstone for her grave. Their other goal is getting the police investigation into her murder reopened.
For the latter, Joe, John and Louie partner with current House of Xtravaganza members including Amara Gisele, Gisele Alicea and Jose Disla, who knew Venus personally. The encounter between biological and ballroom families yields the most edifying conversations in I’m Your Venus. Within this space different versions of the past clash and contradict in an attempt to settle into a more healing present.
Conversations between Jose Disla, to whom Venus was a sister and niece, and Joe, John and Louie force the brothers to understand, on a deeper level, how their neglect impacted Venus. These scenes — raw in their honesty — wrestle with the process of what it means to evolve. We watch the brothers’ initial defensiveness melt into tearful acknowledgment, revealing how a desire to adhere to the rules of conventional masculinity robbed them of the chance to get to know their sister.
I’m Your Venus doubles as a reintroduction to Venus — the ballroom dancer who dreamed of a car, a husband, kids and becoming a famous model — for the Pellagatti brothers. Through chats with Jose Disla and Helen, a confidante for Venus and the woman who helped the performer come up with her name, the brothers learn more about Venus’ personality, interests and aspirations.
They also confront the realities of her existence in New York and the still present dangers trans people face in the United States. Although Venus tried to get out of sex work, it was one of the few ways she could make money to survive. In this realm, I’m Your Venus expands on ideas explored in recent documentaries like The Stroll and Kokomo City.
Meetings with lawyers about reopening Venus’ murder case underscore police negligence and a lack of urgency around finding a culprit. Closure becomes an elusive frontier for both the Pellagatti brothers and the House of Xtravaganza heirs.
More positive news emerges from the process of changing Venus’ lawful name, which results in an exciting legal precedent, and the journey to get her childhood home registered as a historic landmark. Progress in these areas stands as a historical corrective and offers some moments of healing for Venus’ families, whose emotional journey is a lurching and staggering affair.
Within this chaotic terrain, Reed finds moments of stillness. Their cumulative effect gives I’m Your Venus its poignancy. Standout sequences that grip the heart and threaten tears include a memorial for O’Shea Sibley, the 28-year-old gay man murdered in New York last summer after a group of individuals confronted him and his friends when they were voguing at a gas station; and when the Pellagatti brothers are invited to do their own ballroom walks at the landmark ceremony for Venus’ childhood home.
Both these moments capture a fervent joy in the face of profound pain. They are examples of a community insisting, against all odds, on its existence.
Sister Helen Prejean is best known as the inspiration for the film Dead Man Walking, based on her 1993 book, with Sean Penn as a man facing the death sentence and Susan Sarandon as Sister Helen. But her story goes well beyond that. In the decades since, she has continued her campaign to save men from execution, without success, and to offer them comfort, guilty as they may be and however much she is horrified by their crimes. It’s a life’s work she continues to do at age 85. “I’ve watched six men die on death row and I’m about to watch my seventh,” she says in Rebel Nun. Yet, “I wake up each morning filled with hope.”
That story deserves a great documentary. This well-meaning film is far from that. Rebel Nun is pedestrian at its best and cringe-worthy at its faux-arty worst. Sister Helen’s narrative is interrupted by clichéd filmmaking that includes flat-footed imagistic montages and far too many tracking shots down narrow prison hallways toward an execution chamber. Sister Helen herself is a powerful but soothing presence, and fortunately much of the running time is given over to her first-person account, straightforward and down-to-earth. Her strong character doesn’t get lost, but to see it you have to get past the director Dominic Sivyer’s (the Netflix series The Masked Scammer) stock choices.
Rebel Nun
The Bottom Line
A missed opportunity.
Venue: Tribeca Film Festival (Spotlight Documentary) Director: Dominic Sivyer Writers: Dominic Sivyer, Kari Lia
1 hour 40 minutes
Sister Helen’s narrative goes back to her middle-class Catholic childhood in Louisiana in the 1950s, seen in family photos, and her decision to become a nun. In the early 1980s, working in disadvantaged communities, she was asked to volunteer as a pen pal for prisoners, and eventually went to meet Patrick Sonnier, a murderer and rapist. She recalls that when she first entered the ominous gates of Angola State Prison, she thought, “I’m not in nunville anymore. Bride of Christ? Let that go.” You can see why people relate to her. She was at Sonnier’s execution but closed her eyes as he died. On the drive home she vomited but later decided she’d be a witness and never shut her eyes at an execution again. Her memory and descriptions are vivid and create a portrait of how she came to be the person she is, visiting killers and puttering around her house feeding pet birds.
But then there are those montages. The first, when we’re introduced to Sister Helen’s work, includes a smash-up of religious music and statues, bolts of electrical currents (as if we wouldn’t get it — electrocution!), wilting flowers and an old-fashioned clock. Later, she talks about how the Catholic Church’s reforms in the 1960s changed the dynamic of her social service. Able to wear ordinary clothes instead of a nun’s habit made it easier to connect with people. That good point is almost overshadowed by a 60s montage: flower children and a rocket being launched into space backed by the song “The Age of Aquarius.” Maybe these images were meant to jazz up the narrative or add a visceral connection, but they land as hokey and laughable.
Sarandon is in a bland scene, visiting Sister Helen today. Kim Kardashian is seen Face-Timing with her, as Sister Helen enlists her help spreading the word on social media about Richard Glossip, currently on death row. The celebrity scenes add little except a bit of glamour and a sense of Sister Helen’s determination.
The documentary is up to the minute taking us through to Glossip’s case. He was convicted on shaky evidence, not of committing a murder but of ordering it. Even a conservative legislator in Oklahoma, where the killing occurred, says he believes the case was mishandled. The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the execution, and Glossip is waiting for a ruling on whether he will get a new trial. He would be the first convict Sister Helen actually saved from a death sentence.
In a section more revealing than most, we see archival video of Sister Helen meeting the parents of Faith Hawkins, murdered by Robert Lee Willie (one of two men Penn’s movie character was based on). They are furious at her. And in a new interview for the film, Hawkins’ sister resists the idea that people suffer when they are electrocuted. “Unlike their victims, they feel nothing,” she says. Depicting this tension doesn’t both-sides the issue — the film is consistently on Sister Helen’s side — but it demonstrates the complexity of the subject, and that advocates against capital punishment aren’t dismissing the anguish of the victims’ families. “No matter how much pain and grief [the families] suffer, no human being deserves to be executed,” Sister Helen says. If only Sivyer had created the film this thoughtful activist deserves.
Tribeca, short for the “Triangle Below Canal Street,” has evolved from an industrial landscape into one of New York City’s most sought-after residential areas. Its ascent to the upper echelons of the city’s real estate market is a testament to its distinctive character and appeal.
The neighborhood has a rich history, reflected in its picturesque cobblestone streets and landmark buildings, which have been meticulously converted into high-end lofts and apartments.
As a result, Tribeca has not only drawn in a significant number of influential residents and celebrities, but it has also maintained a positive image in the media and public perception, further fueling its desirability and market value.
Key Takeaways
The transformation from industrial to residential luxury
Tribeca attracted A-list celebrities who’ve invested in real estate
Median sale price saw a 3% year-over-year increase in Q3 2021
The median sale price at approximately $3.325 million.
Near the Financial District and waterfront, enhancing quality of life.
Contributes to a highly desirable living environment.
History of This Hood
Tribeca, today known for its industrial chic lofts and status as one of NYC’s premier neighborhoods, has undergone a considerable transformation over centuries. Originally, the area referred to as Tribeca (Triangle Below Canal Street) was part of a farmland worked on by the Dutch settlers. In the 17th century, the land belonged to figures such as Roeleff Jansen.
By the 1800s, the neighborhood began to flourish due to commercial development, particularly with the advent of the Washington Market as a hub for produce and meats. Industrial growth ensued rapidly, and warehouses and lofty buildings came to characterize the district’s architecture.
The urban decline in the mid-20th century saw many industrial buildings fall into neglect. However, the area experienced a resurgence as artists and creatives sought affordable living and studio spaces in these spacious structures during the 1970s. A vital factor in Tribeca’s gentrification was the adaptive reuse of these industrial buildings into high-end lofts and residences, raising property values substantially.
Today, the region boasts a blend of historic charm with modern elegance, echoing its past through cobblestone streets and restored cast-iron façades. Tribeca’s historic legacy, combined with its luxury living accommodations, resonates deeply with affluent buyers, leading to its standing as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC.
Real Estate Dynamics in Tribeca
The Tribeca neighborhood is synonymous with luxury real estate and soaring property values. These characteristics are shaped by upscale developments, market movements, and high-value sales that set the tone for the area.
Luxury Developments
Tribeca is home to some of the most luxurious residential buildings in New York City. Notable properties include 443 Greenwich Street, where celebrities and affluent buyers find privacy and exclusivity. According to a report, Tribeca even attracted A-list celebrities who’ve invested in its real estate, further elevating the neighborhood’s allure.
Market Trends
The market in Tribeca has witnessed significant year-over-year increases in median sale prices, indicating a growing demand for high-end properties. For instance, Tribeca’s median sale price saw a 3% year-over-year increase in Q3 2021, as reported by PropertyShark. This trend reflects robust sales volumes and the sustained appeal of the neighborhood among upscale buyers.
Property Value Indicators
Several indicators point to Tribeca’s high property values. For example, median sale prices in the neighborhood often surpass other NYC areas comfortably. A specific data point from December 2021 shows Tribeca’s median sale price at approximately $3.895 million, as highlighted by Redfin.
Geographical Advantages
The value of Tribeca’s real estate is significantly boosted by its strategic location within New York City, offering both the convenience of proximity to the economic powerhouse of the Financial District and the prestige and natural beauty of its waterfront views.
Tribeca is just a stone’s throw away from the Financial District, New York City’s economic engine. This proximity allows residents easy commutes to some of the world’s most influential financial institutions. It’s a particularly appealing feature for professionals in the finance sector who value short travel times to their offices.
The neighborhood’s waterfront edge is a sought-after feature, providing scenic views and leisure opportunities along the Hudson River. Properties with water views often command higher prices, and in Tribeca, the demand for these properties accentuates their exclusivity and luxury appeal.
Cultural and Social Scene
1. Film and Arts
Tribeca Film Festival: An annual event co-founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff. It showcases a diverse selection of films, from independent to mainstream, documentaries to narratives, and features to shorts. The festival also includes panel discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and master classes, making it a comprehensive celebration of the cinematic arts. It’s not just about screenings; the festival transforms various venues across Tribeca into hubs for film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and celebrities.
Tribeca Art Night: A quarterly event that invites art lovers to explore galleries and art spaces throughout the neighborhood in a single evening. Participants get to experience openings, exhibitions, and special performances, highlighting the area’s rich artistic offerings.
2. Galleries and Museums
Postmasters Gallery: Known for its commitment to experimental and contemporary art, Postmasters is a prime example of Tribeca’s dynamic art scene. The gallery features works by emerging and established artists, spanning a range of mediums and themes.
3. Dining and Nightlife
Tribeca Grill: Co-owned by Robert De Niro, this upscale restaurant is a staple in the Tribeca dining scene.
4. Architecture and Design
Cast-Iron Historic District: This area showcases the architectural beauty of Tribeca’s cast-iron buildings. Notable structures include the White Building at 361 Broadway and the Gunther Building at 469 Broome Street, which are admired for their ornate facades and historical significance.
Staple Street Skybridge: A striking example of Tribeca’s unique urban landscape, this pedestrian bridge connects two buildings over Staple Street. It’s a favorite subject for photographers and a visual reminder of the neighborhood’s industrial past.
5. Parks and Recreation
Hudson River Park: This linear park stretches along the Manhattan West Side waterfront and offers a multitude of recreational activities, from jogging and biking to kayaking and sailing.
Washington Market Park: A community park that serves as a green oasis for Tribeca residents. It features a large playground, basketball courts, and community gardens. The park also hosts seasonal events, including a popular Halloween parade and a summer concert series, fostering a strong sense of community.
Quality of Life
Tribeca’s high quality of life is largely attributable to its exceptional education options, abundant green spaces, and a strong sense of safety and community cohesion.
Education and Schools
Tribeca is home to prestigious educational institutions that cater to all age groups. Schools like Stuyvesant High School cater to academically gifted students, contributing to the neighborhood’s intellectual environment. Quality education is a significant factor for families considering residence in this area.
Green Spaces and Parks
Residents of Tribeca benefit from numerous well-maintained green spaces and parks. The area’s waterfront access allows for parks such as Hudson River Park, offering a scenic respite from urban living. These green areas provide not only recreation but also community-building opportunities.
Safety and Community
Tribeca is known for its low crime rates and vigilant community efforts that make it one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. The area’s cohesive community and active neighborhood associations contribute to a sense of security and belonging among residents.
Transportation and Accessibility
Tribeca’s status as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC is partially due to its excellent transportation and accessibility. Residents enjoy multiple subway lines that traverse the area, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, R, W, and 6 trains. These provide rapid transit to destinations throughout the city, making commutes and travel for both leisure and business exceptionally convenient.
In addition to subway options, Tribeca has several bus routes, such as the M20 and M55, which offer reliable service. For those looking to travel on foot or by bike, plenty of pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly pathways are available, with the Hudson River Park providing scenic routes along the waterfront.
Subway Accessibility:
Lines: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, R, W, 6
Multiple stations for easy access
Bus Service:
Main Routes: M20, M55
Convenient for cross-town trips
Alternative Transport:
Biking and walking pathways
Proximity to Hudson River Park
The neighborhood’s proximity to major thoroughfares such as West Street and Canal Street also eases vehicular traffic into and out of the area. The combination of these transportation amenities affirms Tribeca’s appeal to those seeking an accessible yet upscale living experience in New York City.
Influential Residents and Celebrity Appeal
Tribeca, known for its cobblestone streets and converted industrial buildings, has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. This Manhattan neighborhood attracts a wealthy and influential demographic, including numerous celebrities. The presence of these high-profile residents has significantly contributed to the area’s allure and, consequently, its real estate prices.
Notable Residents:
Hollywood A-listers: Tribeca’s private lofts and spacious apartments have become favored residences for movie stars such as Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Music Icons: Music legends like Justin Timberlake have chosen Tribeca for its tranquility and privacy.
Industry Magnates: Beyond entertainment, the neighborhood is also home to entrepreneurs and business leaders, adding to the district’s reputation for affluence like Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to the high costs of living in Tribeca?
The high living costs in Tribeca are influenced by its prime location, historical significance, and limited inventory of luxury residences. Demand outstrips supply, leading to higher prices.
How does the average rent in Tribeca compare to other upscale neighborhoods in NYC?
Tribeca’s average rent consistently outpaces other affluent NYC neighborhoods. In 2023, the average monthly rent was around $8,090, showcasing its premium status.
What are the unique features of Tribeca that justify its upscale real estate prices?
Tribeca offers a distinct blend of restored industrial buildings, cobbled streets, and a vibrant cultural scene. Its unique aesthetics and historical character contribute to its high real estate valuation.
In terms of real estate, what amenities make Tribeca one of the most sought-after neighborhoods?
Real estate in Tribeca often includes amenities like private elevators, roof decks, 24-hour concierge services, and in-building fitness centers, making it a coveted location for affluent buyers.
Can you detail the trends in Tribeca’s real estate market over the recent years?
Tribeca’s real estate market has experienced significant growth, with consistent demand for luxury properties, despite broader market fluctuations. This has resulted in a steady rise in property values over the years.
How does Tribeca’s cost per square foot compare to other luxurious areas in Manhattan?
Tribeca’s cost per square foot ranks among the highest in Manhattan, often surpassing other luxury neighborhoods due to its desirable loft apartments and high-end residential projects.
Final Words
Tribeca’s evolution from an industrial area to one of New York City’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods exemplifies urban transformation at its finest. Its blend of historic charm and modern luxury, combined with a vibrant cultural scene and waterfront beauty, creates an unmatched living environment.
The presence of influential residents and celebrities, along with high-end developments, continues to elevate Tribeca’s status and desirability.
This neighborhood stands as a testament to the value of strategic urban planning and community investment, securing its place as a top choice for those seeking luxury, convenience, and quality of life in NYC. Ultimately
“Wait, is he the actor in Molly’s Game?” I ask myself as I watch Michael Cera in The Adults as he obnoxiously wins a poker game — making enemies of everyone at the table.
But he wasn’t the actor in Molly’s Game. I’m thinking of Jesse Eisenberg, a quick Google search tells me — a different awkward white boy playing that same type. Of that set of indie film darlings, Michael Cera is best known as the one from Superbad. Or as the one who does theatre. The latter is why he is so fitting for his role as Eric in The Adults.
In this film, Cera’s character plays the eldest — and most estranged — of three strange siblings. He’s visiting his hometown for a quick trip, he insists. He’s here to meet a good friend’s baby, he tells everyone, and hang out with a few of the old gang. Out of obligation, he stops by to see his sisters. We know their relationships are strained before we even meet Rachel (Hannah Gross) and Maggie (Sophia Lillis). One lives in their childhood home alone and the other recently dropped out of college.
Poker? We get scenes and scenes of it — hence my Molly’s Game musings. Plot? There’s not a ton of that. Just the grappling for connection and the messy reforging of a sibling bond.
What makes this movie different and dynamic is one key element: these siblings love to sing. Their family dynamic is like if the Succession kids went to theatre camp. The little we learn about their childhood comes through songs and skits they made up as children and then turn to as adults in order to process their trauma. Maggie, the youngest, is dying to return to a time when things were simpler and they all got along by singing. Rachel is cynical and cold to Michael, which comes to a head in a visceral fight in the third act.
Until then, we learn about the siblings through the harmonized songs and accompanying dances from their childhood. We find out about Eric’s passion for poker — which is really his appetite for power and winning that’s reflected in his familial relationship. And we watch as Eric extends his trip day after day, breaking down wall after wall, until you wonder if he might just stay.
Audiences will certainly relate to something in this tapestry of suburbia: house parties where everyone knows everyone, catching up with old friends or family members after far too long, and laughing at inside jokes with the people you grew up with. Theatre kids — like Cera himself — will identify with the eclectic sibling bunch and their catalog of childhood songs. And anyone with a strained family relationship will definitely see themselves in this misfit bunch.
With The Adults, writer-director Dustin Guy Defa has created an immersive world and a nuanced family unit that sits at the heart of it. This is a film that screams “INDIE MOVIE” — and it feels like it’s made by and for audiences that are seeking just that.
On the night before Donald Trump’s second arraignment, Hillary Clinton appeared in her element. Former Barack Obama aide Jon Lovett was interviewing Clinton in a downtown Manhattan auditorium; a liberal New York audience welcomed her with a standing ovation. “Republicans have taken to the airwaves in response to these charges,” Lovett said of Trump’s federal indictment, “and they’ve come to one conclusion: we must prosecute Hillary Clinton.” The audience laughed. “When in doubt,” Clinton replied, to roaring applause.
The interview was for a live taping of Pod Save America, the podcast Lovett and three other alums of the Obama White House—Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, and Dan Pfeiffer— founded in 2017. This night, however, it was also for the Tribeca Film Festival. MSNBC’s Alex Wagner guest co-hosted, with special guests Clinton, New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James, and comedian Roy Wood Jr. At one point, the now infamous image of boxes of classified documents stored in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom from the indictment—which also ran on A1 of the New York Times over the weekend— was projected behind them on stage. “It isn’t shocking, but it is, I think, bracing to see in print just what a shambolick, small time, two-bit fucking criminal this guy is,” said Lovett, the comedian of the group. “If there’s one place in which, I have to say, I am sympathetic to Donald Trump, it is this: he would rather go to jail than clean out his closet,” he joked. The 913-seat theater was sold out to a mostly middle-aged audience, but I did spot some teenagers. One, an apparent Pod Save superfan there with his mother, sat next to me, howling and cheering as the hosts—and Wagner—sipped red wine out of plastic cups and discussed Trump’s growing legal woes. It was a night for communal, and unabashed, schadenfreude; the episode was titled “Re-Indicted And It Feels So Good (with Hillary Clinton!).”
Clinton’s appearance Monday night marked her first public response to Trump’s Florida indictment. “Did you have any reaction to the news, or are you keeping your powder dry in case you get jury duty in New York?” asked Lovett, who worked for Clinton before serving in the Obama White House. “You know, Jon, I have a lot of reactions to it, and I think the best reaction publicly is, you know, let’s see it unfold and see what happens,” she said. Lovett said this was a perfect transition to the Crooked Media merch that they’d brought her: a t-shirt that read, “Totally Impartial Potential Juror.” Clinton checked out the Crooked logo underneath the graphic. “You even put his nickname for me down at the bottom,” she laughed.
Republicans, apparently looking to change the subject from Trump becoming the first former president to face federal charges, have returned to their attacks on Clinton’s emails in recent days. “I do think it’s odd, let’s just say, to the point of being absurd, how that is their only response,” she said. The GOP’s efforts to defend Trump are “truly beyond anything that I ever thought possible in this country,” said Clinton. “It is so profoundly disturbing how this could have been the break. This could’ve been the opportunity to say, you know, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us, we really appreciate it, but this is kind of serious, so we’re not going to continue to defend you. But no, they’re all in again. The psychology of this is so hard for me to fully grasp.”
At times during the event, the hosts struck a more sincere tone. There could be more instances where Trump—who prosecutors allege intentionally hid top secret documents (including on U.S. nuclear programs) in his personal residence, boasted about having them to people without security clearance, and obstructed an investigation into his possession of them—shared classified information beyond the instances captured on tape, they said. “We know that he showed off the secret Iran plan to some journalists, we know that he bragged to a guy from his PAC about what we think was probably a classified map of Afghanistan,” Vietor, who in a previous life was Obama’s National Security Council spokesperson, said. “We may never know what else got out there. I think that’s the thing that freaks out the intel people the most.”
James, meanwhile told Wagner and Pfeiffer that she’ll be watching Tuesday’s arraignment in the context of her own $250 million civil lawsuit against Trump, his children and the family business, in which she alleges the family engaged in more than a decade of fraud to rake in hundreds of millions in illegal gains (Trump has denied all wrongdoing). “In all likelihood, I believe that my case, as well as DA Bragg and the Georgia case, will unfortunately have to be adjourned pending the outcome of the federal case,” she said.
James wouldn’t talk about Trump’s most recent deposition, aside from that “he did attend, and he did answer the questions. But he did not look at me.”
