The trailer for Misty Green, the fourth feature film from Chris Rock, arrived on July 22. Distributed by A24, the film follows Misty Green (Rosalind Eleazar), a talented actress whose career has stalled after an early breakthrough. The story tracks her push for a second act as she navigates financial hardship, professional gatekeeping, and a complicated history with the people who once believed in her.
Rock wrote and directed, and also appears on screen as Jordan, a filmmaker with a role that could restart Misty's career. The supporting cast includes Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya as Misty's brother, Anna Kendrick, Topher Grace, and Anthony Anderson.
The trailer does not soften the material. "The last time I cast you, you punched this bitch in the face," one character tells Misty. Her response: "She hit me first." Another scene lands harder: "You're not exactly an unknown Misty. Is Hollywood racist, yep. Don't act like you never had a shot."
Misty Green will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, ahead of an A24 theatrical release on October 9. Rock's last directorial credit, Top Five, opened in 2014. Twelve years is a long gap.
With A24 releasing into the heart of awards season and TIFF as its launchpad, the infrastructure is in place. Whether Eleazar's performance and the material earn traction will become clear in September.