How it’s New York: Fresh Kills is set in Staten Island, and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival 2023
How it’s Irish: The Irish writer lives on Staten Island – does that count?
Fresh Kills directed by, and starring Jennifer Esposito, has a similar theme’ to ‘The Sopranos and is set in New York City’s ‘forgotten borough’, Staten Island, in the 1980’s. Esposito’s directorial debut is a wonderful exposition of life for a mafiosi family.
It features Esposito as a hardened and long suffering wife and mother, Francine, of the leading character, Rose (Emily Bader). Esposito brings a nuanced performance to the role, navigating the complexities of her love for her children and need to survive in the violent world of a mafia family who have moved from Brooklyn to Staten Island.
During a talkback at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, where Fresh Kills was premiered in the Spotlight Narrative section, Esposito talked about how one of her motivations to make the movie was, men like Joe (Domenick Lombardozzi), Francine’s husband, who she grew up around – loving fathers at home, doing not so lovable work as soon as they leave the house.
Bader brings a charm and innocence to Rose, whose moral compass is tested as she watches the violence around her while also feeling the strength of love and support from the people perpetrating this violence, and the conflict between the two. The implicit loyalty that is expected of her almost drowns her as she continues to reach outward, off the island. When she goes to Manhattan for an acting audition, she is quickly judged for her appearance and accent: “Where are you from, Jersey? Staten Island?” Her liberation is out there somewhere, if she could just find it.
“The implicit loyalty that is expected of her almost drowns her as she continues to reach outward, off the island. when she goes to Manhattan for an acting audition, she is quickly judged for her appearance and accent: “Where are you from, Jersey? Staten Island?” Her liberation is out there somewhere, if she could just find it.”
Odessa A’zion gives a standout performance as the older sister, Connie, who is deeply embedded in the culture and acts as her sibling’s protector at times. Connie is very comfortable in the world in which she finds herself and uses violence as her primary source of dealing with the world. She inevitably becomes so entrenched, she fights for power and territory for herself leading to fatal consequences.
As the narrative unfolds, “Fresh Kills” explores themes of tribalism, loyalty, and the blurred lines between familial love, personal liberation, and morality. Esposito’s direction maintains a tense atmosphere throughout, though the pacing is occasionally sluggish and the film could do with some cuts in the editing room.
Despite these minor pacing issues, “Fresh Kills” ultimately delivers a compelling family drama that showcases Esposito’s directorial prowess and the talents of its ensemble cast. With its gritty realism and morally ambiguous characters, the film offers a thought-provoking examination of mafia families in 1980’s New York City.
You can watch it now on Amazon Prime.
