Paulson Returns to Film Spotlight in 'Closing Night' After Decade of TV Focus
Sarah Paulson stars in 'Closing Night,' a family drama premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. Written and directed by Cody Fern, the film marks Paulson's first major theatrical lead in a decade. The story follows a Broadway star facing a health crisis, reuniting her with estranged family members. While the cast is praised for their intensity, critics are divided on the script's quality.
Key points
- World premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
- Cody Fern's feature directorial debut, written specifically for Paulson.
- Paulson plays Sandra Vale, a star dealing with a sudden health diagnosis.
- Co-stars include Naomi Watts, Dianne Wiest, Toby Wallace, and Odessa A'zion.
- Paulson attributes the lack of film roles since 2016 to age and gender bias.
- The film explores family secrets and the impact of illness on a career.
Background
Paulson has maintained a prolific television career through Ryan Murphy projects, including 'American Horror Story' and 'All's Fair.' Her last major film role was 'Blue Jay' in 2016. She previously won all major acting awards for 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' but noted a subsequent lack of film offers. Recent archive coverage highlights her continued prominence in Murphy's Netflix series 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' and upcoming Broadway appearances.
How outlets are covering it
Variety emphasizes the personal significance of the role for Paulson, highlighting her frustration with industry ageism and the rarity of such parts for women over 40. Deadline praises the ensemble cast, comparing the film to classic 1950s female-driven melodramas, and notes the strong performances despite the script. The Guardian offers a more critical view, arguing that while the actresses are exceptional, the writing is weak and lacks the depth to match their talent, describing the film as a 'soap opera' that fails to leverage its potential. Just Jared focuses on the reunion aspect and the premiere event details.
Why it matters
The film highlights ongoing challenges for older actresses in Hollywood, specifically the scarcity of leading roles in film compared to television. It also demonstrates the potential for actor-director collaborations to create opportunities that might not otherwise exist, bridging the gap between TV prestige and film recognition.
What to watch
The film is currently seeking distribution, with CAA handling U.S. sales and Mk2 handling international. No release date has been announced. Paulson is expected to be a contender for awards recognition this season, and the film may influence future casting decisions for older actresses in major studio projects.
- Sarah Paulson Has Waited Forever for a Movie Like ‘Closing Night’: ‘I Wasn’t This Hot, Young Nubile Thing’ variety.com
- Closing Night review – fiery women face off in Almodóvar-lite melodrama The Guardian
- 'Closing Night' Review: Sarah Paulson, Dianne Wiest, Naomi Watts Deadline
- Sarah Paulson Reunites With 'American Horror Story' Co-Star Cody Fern at 'Closing Night' TIFF Premiere Just Jared
- "CLOSING NIGHT" - Review Next Best Picture
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