Ezra (2024)

May 30, 2024 (US) • Comedy, Drama • 100m

Overview

Stand-up comedian Max Bernal lives with his father Stan while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra with his ex-wife. When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son's future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives.

Director

Tony Goldwyn

Writer

Tony Spiridakis

Top Billed

Bobby Cannavale

Keywords

autism road trip parenting divorced parents

Where to watch

Rent

Buy

Top Billed Cast

Bobby Cannavale

Max Bernal

William A. Fitzgerald

Ezra Bernal

Robert De Niro

Stan Bernal

Rose Byrne

Jenna

Vera Farmiga

Grace

Whoopi Goldberg

Jayne

Rainn Wilson

Nick

Tony Goldwyn

Bruce

Jackson Frazer

Ridgeway

Greer Barnes

Greer

Tess Goldwyn

Ms. Cathro

Ella Ayberk

Dr. Irina Tamarova

Lois Robbins

Susan

Alex Plank

Dr. Kaplan

Daphne Rubin-Vega

Agent Margo Jenkins

Matilda Lawler

Ruby

Joe Pacheco

Special Agent Costa

Amy Sheehan

Mrs. C.

Geoffrey Owens

Robert Segal

Barzin Akhavan

Dr. Jeffrey Wells

Donna Vivino

Noreen, Woman in Bar

Jacqueline Nwabueze

Sister Margaret

John Donovan Wilson

Sheriff Tom

Joshua Hinck

Tim

David Marciano

Detective Harrelson

Dov Davidoff

Self

Sophie Mulligan

Ariana

Thomas Duverné

Lance

Brian Donahue

Bouncer

Myra Lucretia Taylor

Margo

Jennifer Plotzke

Security Guard

Jack Parrish

Classmate

Josh Pesin

Diner

Louie Aronowitz

Drummer

Eddie A. Bryant

Bartender

Alex Barber

Ezra's Classmate

Oliver Morales

Ezra's Classmate

Julia Linger

Waitress

Skyler Wenger

Classroom Kid

Jimmy Kimmel

Guillermo Rodriguez

Zoe Cali

Cally

Emma Willmann

Self

Mia Caro

Agent Pena

Bev Sheehan

Waitress at Diner

Megan Hennessy

Jackie

Crew

Tony Spiridakis

Writer

Tony Spiridakis

Producer

Tony Goldwyn

Director

Tony Goldwyn

Producer

Carlos Rafael Rivera

Original Music Composer

Alex Plank

Associate Producer

John R. Caccamo

Lighting Technician

Justin Baldoni

Executive Producer

Bobby Cannavale

Executive Producer

William Horberg

Producer

Manu Gargi

Executive Producer

Steve Sarowitz

Executive Producer

Carla Raij

Executive Producer

Lois Robbins

Executive Producer

Jon Kilik

Producer

Andrew Calof

Executive Producer

Jason Pinardo

Executive Producer

Zhang Xin

Executive Producer

Jake O'Brien

Assistant Sound Editor

Sabine Hoffman

Editor

Eldo Ray Estes

Makeup Department Head

Paul Schnee

Casting

Chryss Hionis

Set Decoration

Carla White

Makeup Artist

Kerry Barden

Casting

Daniel Cerone

Key Hair Stylist

Jacqueline Fundus

Key Makeup Artist

Jerry Popolis

Hairstylist

Susan Block

Art Direction

Dan Leigh

Production Design

Derrick Kollock

Hair Department Head

Donna Berwick

Costume Design

Daniel Moder

Director of Photography

Miles O'Bryan

Grip

Rachel Goldman

Casting Associate

Sean McKeough

Assistant Location Manager

Eduardo Jaramillo

Music Editor

Mitchell Ferm

Visual Effects Supervisor

Moxie Harfeld

Loader

Nicole Alvarez Espada

Key Costumer

Anthony Pisani

Location Manager

Beso Kacharava

Foley Supervisor

Quinn Showell

Extras Casting

Paula Escobar

Assistant Location Manager

Vinny Alfano

ADR Recordist

Vesselin Todorov-Vinnie

Stunts

Ashley Clemmings

Set Costumer

Andre Da Silva

Stunt Double

Omotade Fatiregun

Grip

James Ortiz

Stunt Double

Rory Hanrahan

First Assistant "A" Camera

Joseph Robinson

Second Assistant "A" Camera

Anna Frick

Location Assistant

Manoj Gurung

Electrician

Molly Murphy

Casting Assistant

Jamie Arbuckle

On Set Dresser

Kellon Innocent

Second Assistant "A" Camera

Will Mena

Grip

Monica Ruiz-Ziegler

Costumer

Manny Siverio

Stunt Coordinator

Mike Buonanno

Assistant Unit Manager

Alexander Sanikidze

Foley Editor

Courtney R. Alfrey

Set Costumer

Nat Jencks

Colorist

Arjuna Bharathan

Location Assistant

Robert Currie

Property Master

Salome Maisuradze

Foley Mixer

Jake O'Brien

Dialogue Editor

John Baer

Still Photographer

Abby Geoghegan

Assistant Costume Designer

Andi Ralph

Assistant Editor

Dachi Abesalashvili

Foley Editor

Patrick Christensen

ADR Mixer

Tina Babakishvili

Foley Supervisor

Nicolette Jackson

Costumer

Tornike Dzidzikashvili

Foley Artist

Brian N. Joseph

Sound Mixer

Jacqueline McGinn

Lighting Technician

Adam Adelman

Wardrobe Supervisor

Jennie Breckenridge

ADR Recordist

Jacob Stahlman

Additional First Assistant Camera

Andrew Dahreddine

Casting Assistant

Brad Reichel

Location Scout

Dan Buckman

Driver

Chuck Girard

Script Supervisor

Milena Erke

Music Coordinator

Robert De Niro

Executive Producer

Ike Oedel

Graphic Designer

Roya Semnanian

Casting Associate

Reviews

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

April 4, 2025

Director Tony Goldwyn‘s “Ezra” is a surprisingly heartfelt family drama that manages to be both funny and emotional in all the right ways. While it can sometimes feel too pedestrian, the story blends a road trip narrative with themes of family dynamics, personal trauma, and the unconditional love between a father and son.

Max (Bobby Cannavale) is a stand-up comedian and a father to Ezra (William A. Fitzgerald), a young boy on the autism spectrum. Devoted to his son, Max is fiercely protective of his unique qualities while remaining adamant about not “fixing” him because he believes Ezra is perfect as he is. But when forced to make a tough choice about the boy ‘s future, Max acts rashly, taking Ezra on a cross-country journey without his ex-wife Jenna’s (Rose Byrne) permission. This impulsive move creates both tension and heartfelt moments, as it forces Max to confront the consequences of his actions and the depths of his love for his son.

What sets the film apart is its authentic, raw portrayal of autism (the script is written by Tony Spiridakis, whose own experiences with an autistic son give the story an undeniable sense of realism). Fitzgerald (who is also on the spectrum) interacts with a world in a way that feels incredibly true to life because it is. The film captures the little things, like Ezra’s struggles with physical touch and his love for puzzles and memorization, without ever feeling exploitative. This is a film that doesn’t just shine a light on the challenges of autism, but exposes a world of nuance and individuality. You could say it’s educational in that way.

Cannavale’s performance as a deeply flawed father who’s totally devoted to his son is impressive. I didn’t know the actor had this much range, and he’s quite good. His character’s anger-management issues and rash decisions add a layer of complexity but it’s clear that every wrong step he takes is driven by love that isn’t always expressed in the healthiest way. Byrne provides a grounding balance to the chaos, portraying a character who is the voice of reason, and Robert De Niro’s role as Max’s father, Stan, is written in a way that’s more meaningful than a series of platitudes that often surround a dad trying to make amends for his past failures. Stan’s attempts to connect with Ezra and support his son are touching, and De Niro’s performance adds a depth to the family dynamics that feels earned and real.

The film strikes a perfect balance between drama and humor. There are moments of missteps where you’ll cringe at Max’s choices, but there’s never any doubt about his fierce, unwavering love for his son. This father-son relationship is at the emotional center of the film and serves as a reminder of how love can be messy, complicated, but also transformative.

“Ezra” is a story about family and how love isn’t always perfect. It blends humor and heart so well, providing a funny and moving look at fatherhood, redemption, and the bond between generations.

By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS

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Status

Released

Original Language

Budget

$5,000,000

Revenue

$3,046,741

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Ezra (2024)

Where to watch

Top Billed Cast

Crew

Reviews

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

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