Jennifer Esposito flexes her directing chops in the engaging Fresh Kills

Esteemed actress Jennifer Esposito takes a bold step into the world of writing and directing with ‘Fresh Kills’ from Quiver Distribution. In addition to her new roles, Esposito delivers a compelling performance as a co-star in the film. Set in late 1989 and 1993 in Staten Island, New York, the film follows the journey of Rose Larusso, a young and curious girl portrayed by Emily Bader. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she uncovers a shocking secret about her father, Joe, played by Domenick Lombardozzi, who is revealed to be a mafia kingpin. As Rose’s yearning for independence and self-discovery intensifies, it triggers a series of events that not only jeopardize her safety but also strain her relationships with her mother, Francine (played by Esposito), her sister Connie (portrayed by Odessa A’zion), and her aunt Christine (brought to life by Annabella Sciorra). This internal and external conflict forms the film’s core, ‘Fresh Kills. ‘

During the promotional activities for the film, Esposito discussed the lengthy process of writing, producing, and self-financing the movie, spanning over a decade. She highlighted how her upbringing in a mafia-influenced environment inspired her to create a film centered on organized crime from the perspective of young women. I have been an admirer of Jennifer Esposito’s work since the late nineties when she collaborated with the renowned Spike Lee in his films “He Got Game” and “Summer of Sam,” as well as her appearance in a three-episode arc on the show “New York Undercover.” I was eager to see my passion project come to life.

Esposito begins the film by introducing the tween version of Rose and Connie as they move to Staten Island. The script establishes the bond between the girls early on and hints at their parents’ traditional marriage. Early on, we get a taste of the usual theatrics from Lombardozzi and Esposito, but the actress wisely avoids the typical mob tropes. Then, the film time jumps to 1993, with Emily Bader and Odessa A’zion assuming the lead roles, where the film finds its meat. I wasn’t familiar with Bader, so it allowed me to tap in with her character’s arc. Odessa A’zion won me over with her lead role in the “Hellraiser” remake, so it was great to see her tap into a tough girl persona. All of the veteran actors in the film also offer solid supporting work, creating a domino effect for the younger actress to carry the narrative.

Prospective viewers should acknowledge that the film features minimal mob action. Nonetheless, Esposito’s direction adeptly compensates for this. The pacing is precise and effective, while the cinematography adopts a humanistic approach to portraying mob life. Moreover, the screenplay emanates from an actress passionate about dialogue. Esposito’s script motivates the cast and creates a clear sense of purpose, crafting an authentic narrative.

“Fresh Kills” is a solid directorial debut by Jennifer Esposito, and I look forward to seeing where the next phase of her career will go.

Final Grade: B+

“Fresh Kills” opens in New York and Los Angeles on June 14, and an expansion will follow.