USA – 2015 – 86 MIN – COLOUR - FEATURE
WITH: CHRISTOPHER ABBOTT, CYNTHIA NIXON, SCOTT MESCUDI, MACKENZIE LEIGH, DAVID CALL, RON LIVINGSTON
A FILM BY JOSH MOND
James White (Christopher Abbott) is a troubled twentysomething trying to stay afloat in a frenzied New York City. As he retreats further into a hedonistic lifestyle, his mother's battle with a serious illness faces a series of setbacks that force him to assume more responsibility. With the pressure on him mounting, James must find new reserves of strength or risk imploding completely.
James White is a confident and closely observed directorial debut that explores loss and the deep relationship between a mother and son. It marks Martha Marcy May Marlene producer Josh Mond's first appearance at the Festival as a writer/director. Abbott’s strong central performance is aided by a stellar supporting cast featuring Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City), Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi, and Ron Livingston (Drinking Buddies). Shot on location in New York City with an intimate visual style and a driving contemporary soundtrack, James White follows its lead into deep, affecting places while still maintaining its fragile humanity.
"intense, engaging film that could be the sleeper of the fest."
- NOW Magazine
5 Questions with Josh Mond of James White
- Scene Creek
"Christopher Abbott stars in James White, a TIFF selection that's bringing some early Oscar buzz for the actor."
- Toronto Star (Interview)
"This feature directorial debut of Josh Mond...is an exquisitely acted portrait"
- New York Times
"James White Is An Unflinching, Revelatory Glimpse At Two Lives In Crisis"
- Uproxx
Christopher Abbott Carries the Sublime, Dreamlike James White
- Vulture
Former Girls Star Christopher Abbott Has Found His Star-Making Role
- Vanity Fair
"Some movies are so good and true and tough-to-the-core they should just sneak up on you. James White is one of them."
- Rolling Stone
"Life after Sex and the City: Critics embrace Cynthia Nixon in new role"
- Metro News
"a stellar picture and every piece that holds it together has a remarkable impact"
- Wylie Writes
"James White: Drama may knock the wind out of you"
- Globe and Mail
"Abbott’s feral depiction of such fierce loyalty is something close to brilliant."
- Toronto Star
"James White is a movie hard to look away from, hard sometimes to take"
- National Post
"a very affecting film"
- Vancouver Observer
"an absolutely devastating drama"
- One Movie Our Views
"an intensely emotional portrait of a young man who bottles up his own issues to help his mother during a difficult time."
- Digital Journal
"probing direction and insightful performances."
- Toronto Film Scene
"this isn't your average indie fare"
- Exclaim
"Conflicted human behaviour has seldom been tackled so succinctly on the big screen."
- The Revue
"as much about the bonds that make families whole as it is about the illnesses that unfortunately rips them apart."
- Cinema Axis