The King of Staten Island

When Scott ( Pete Davidson ) was seven years old, his father died while working as a firefighter. He’s 24 now, but he never got over the loss. He still lives with his mother Margie ( Marisa Tomei ), drives his younger sister Claire ( Maude Apatow ) insane, and whiles away the time using drugs. He dreams of making a career as a tattoo artist. But there is just as little progress as with his quasi-relationship with Kelsey ( Bel Powley ), whom he has known since childhood. It wasn’t until Claire moved out and his mother changed her mind to Ray ( Bill Burr) in love, there is movement in Scott’s life: because suddenly he is expected to stand on his own two feet …

The King of Staten Island wasn’t that lucky this year. First, the tragic comedy about an aimless stoner should have run at the South by Southwest Festival – canceled. The planned appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival 2020 also fell victim to the pandemic. In the USA, the planned theatrical release was then completely canceled and instead only came as a video on demand. Things are going better in this country, the new film by Judd Apatow can actually be seen in local cinemas. It remains to be seen whether a cinema is absolutely necessary for this or whether the television at home will do. Either way, it’s nice that the film is coming, as it’s Apatow’s best in many years.

“The King of Staten Island” tells the story of a 24-year-old who has been unable to come to terms with the traumatic loss of his father. The film is quiet, using whimsical humor to show the aimless protagonist trying to find a place for himself somewhere in the world. The result is a bit long, also largely uneventful, but very moving – especially because of the excellent ensemble.

• The King of Staten Island