Fresh Kills Release Date, Cast, Storyline, Trailer Release, And Everything You Need to Know
“Fresh Kills” is a captivating new drama film that offers a fresh perspective on the classic mafia story. Marking the feature directorial debut of actress Jennifer Esposito, who also wrote, produced, and starred in the film, it provides an intimate look at the women’s lives in a Brooklyn crime family as they navigate the shadow of the mob world.
The film follows the Larusso family – Joe, the patriarch and rising mafia boss; his wife Francine; and their two daughters, the tough-as-nails Connie and the more withdrawn Rose. Set in the late 1980s, the story explores how this family’s move from Brooklyn to the more spacious Staten Island does little to shield the women from the ever-present influence of the mafia. Through the eyes of the young Rose, audiences bear witness to the complexities, fears, and desperate search for freedom that permeates this world.
Fresh Kills Release Date:
“Fresh Kills” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023 to critical acclaim. Later that year, it screened at the prestigious Red Sea International Film Festival. After building buzz on the festival circuit, it was officially released in the United States on June 14, 2024, allowing audiences to experience 14 powerful crime dramas.
Fresh Kills Storyline:
At the heart of “Fresh Kills” is the complicated relationship between the Larusso women. Francine, the matriarch, tries to maintain a veneer of normalcy for her family, even as the shadow of the mafia looms large. Her daughters, Connie and Rose, represent two vastly different responses to their circumstances. The older sister, Connie, embraces the mob lifestyle, seeing it as a source of power and protection. In contrast, the younger Rose is acutely aware of the dangers and desperately yearns to break free from this world, even as her family and societal pressures make that prospect seem increasingly out of reach.
As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into the Larusso family’s struggle to navigate the mafia world’s unspoken rules and expectations. Scenes of violence, secrecy, and the ever-present threat of consequences create a palpable tension that permeates the film. Yet, at its core, “Fresh Kills” is a deeply personal exploration of the emotional toll this lifestyle takes on the women caught in its grip.
Fresh Kills List of Cast Members:
“Fresh Kills” boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by the film’s writer, director, and producer, Jennifer Esposito. Esposito takes on the role of Francine, the matriarch of the Larusso family. Joining her are:
- Emily Bader as Rose, the youngest Larusso daughter
- Odessa A’zion as Connie, the older Larusso daughter
- Domenick Lombardozzi as Joe, the Larusso family patriarch
- Annabella Sciorra as Christine, Francine’s sister
- Nicholas Cirillo as Alli, the Larusso family’s cousin
- Stelio Savante as Nello
- Franco Maicas as Frankie
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This talented cast brings the complex characters and their relationships to life, drawing the audience deeper into the emotional turmoil of the Larusso family.
Fresh Kills Creators Team:
“Fresh Kills” is a labor of love for Jennifer Esposito, who stars in the film, wrote the screenplay, and made her feature directorial debut with the project. Having grown up on Staten Island herself, Esposito’s connection to the story is evident in the film’s authentic depiction of 1980s New York and the mob culture that permeated the area.
Esposito assembled a skilled production team to bring her vision to life, including:
- Producer Leslie Ann Owen
- Producer Christine Crokos
- Producer Samantha Sprecher
Together, this team worked to secure funding for the film through a unique crowdfunding campaign on the Upstream digital stock exchange, demonstrating the level of passion and dedication behind the project.
Odessa A’zion is definitely our people. See her knockout performance as Connie in FRESH KILLS. Now playing in select theaters.
Tickets: https://t.co/lXfPf7FEF4 pic.twitter.com/0b8GRG4Nvc
— QuiverDistribution (@QuiverDistrib) June 27, 2024
Where to Watch Fresh Kills?
“Fresh Kills” is currently available for theatrical release in the United States, distributed by Quiver Distribution. Audiences can check their local cinemas to see when the film is playing. As with any new release, it is recommended that they check the official “Fresh Kills” website or social media channels for the latest information on screening times and locations.
Fresh Kills Trailer Release Date:
The official “Fresh Kills” trailer was released in May 2024, before the film’s theatrical debut on June 14. The trailer provides an audience with 14 tantalizing glimpses into the world of the Larusso family, teasing the complex relationships, the ever-present threat of the mob, and the desperate search for freedom at the heart of the story.
Fresh Kills Final Words:
“Fresh Kills” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that stands out in the crowded mafia genre. By centering the story on the women of a crime family, Esposito offers a fresh perspective that delves into the emotional turmoil and personal struggles that are often overshadowed in more male-centric mob stories.
The film’s strong performances, nuanced storytelling, and authentic period setting create a captivating and immersive viewing experience. “Fresh Kills” is a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and those seeking a unique take on the classic mafia tale. With its festival acclaim and critical praise, this directorial debut from Jennifer Esposito will leave a lasting impression on audiences.