BLUE MOON -- Ethan Hawke Transforms in This Nuanced Character Study

Review by Camden Ferrell

Richard Linklater is no stranger to the dialogue-heavy comedy drama. One could argue that this is the realm in which he thrives the most. But for the first time since 2001’s Tape, we see Linklater trying to operate primarily in a single location, a narrative restriction that even seasoned directors can have trouble pulling off. Having its premiere at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, Blue Moon is one of two films that Linklater has releasing this year. Supported by a tight script from Robert Kaplow and featuring another outstanding performance from Ethan Hawke, this is a movie that makes the most of its single setting and complex characters. 
 
Lorenz Hart is a lyricist that was known for some iconic tunes and Broadway songs. We watch as he struggles with alcoholism, depression, and self-deprecation. The vast majority of this movie takes place on the opening night of Oklahoma!, the new hit musical written by his former partner Richard Rodgers. What is a night of jubilation for some quickly becomes a night of waxing lyrical for Hart to anyone who would listen. 
 
Kaplow, who is primarily a novelist, writes a sharp script that revels in its crass dialogue. Hart immediately comes off as a man with no filter and no concern other than letting his thoughts flow freely through the open bar. One of the more interesting details in this movie is how Hart engages in conversation with the people in the bar, but it almost ambiguously feels like it could work as a monologue more times than not. It can sometimes tread into an indulgent territory, but it usually corrects itself before going too far off that path. 

The highlight of this movie is the powerhouse lead performance that Ethan Hawke delivers as Hart. He yet again proves why he’s one of the great actors of his generation. His portrayal is layered and nuanced to an incredible degree. He balances the vulgar and crass envy with the self-deprecation and anguish that make this character study so captivating. He’s a broken man who we can’t help but sympathize with despite his glaring flaws as a person. From the supporting cast, Andrew Scott makes the most of his limited screentime while Bobby Cannavale and Margaret Qualley are serviceable with the material they are given. 
 
Like Tape, there are moments where it felt like it started to meander in parts, but this movie does a better job at recovering. Linklater knows how to leverage small-scale movies into big emotions, and this is no exception. It may not be life-changing like his Before trilogy, but it’s still a fine film from the veteran director.  
 
Blue Moon may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s a lot to enjoy from a character-driven standpoint. Hawke transforms into a complex role that is what keeps the movie afloat. It may not go down as one of Linklater’s finest, but after more than 20 movies, he still has his unique touch. 
 
Blue Moon is in theaters October 17. 
 
Rating: 4/5 ​