Get ready to be captivated by a cinematic masterpiece that’s already sparking conversations—Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon has landed a stellar 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it’s not just critics who are buzzing. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many are hailing it as Linklater’s most intimate work yet, some say it’s too talky and stage-bound. Is it a poetic triumph or a self-indulgent miss? Let’s dive in.
Directed by the five-time Oscar-nominated Richard Linklater, known for gems like Before Sunset and Boyhood, Blue Moon is a biopic that shines a spotlight on the life of lyricist Lorenz Hart. Starring Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley, the film takes place mostly in a bar as Hart reflects on his life during the opening night of Oklahoma!, the latest musical from his former collaborator Richard Rodgers. With a runtime of just 90 minutes, it’s a concise yet emotionally layered exploration of art, friendship, and melancholy.
And this is the part most people miss: the film’s single-location, dialogue-driven style is either a lyrical meditation or a theatrical overreach, depending on who you ask. Critics are swooning over Hawke’s transformative performance as Hart, calling it career-defining, while others argue the film feels too confined by its stage-like setting. Yet, even the dissenters can’t deny Hawke’s magnetic presence or the film’s deep compassion for its flawed protagonist.
Premiering at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, Blue Moon already has accolades under its belt, with Andrew Scott winning the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance. The cast, including Qualley, Scott, and Bobby Cannavale, delivers powerhouse performances that elevate the film’s witty script by Robert Kaplow. But does it live up to the hype? That’s for you to decide.
As the film gears up for its theatrical release on October 17, 2025, one thing is clear: Blue Moon is a rare cinematic experience—wistful, beautifully blue, and undeniably thought-provoking. Will it leave you in awe or scratching your head? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this bold, divisive, and undeniably heartfelt film.
