Overview

• The film premiered Sept. 1 in Venice’s main competition, with the Golden Lion winners due Sept. 6.
• Early reviews from major outlets praised Johnson’s performance and generated immediate awards-season chatter.
• Benny Safdie directs the drama tracking Kerr’s late-1990s ascent, his painkiller dependence, and his turbulent relationship with Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt.
• Johnson said daily three-to-four-hour makeup sessions used roughly 13–14 prosthetic pieces, and his slimmer appearance drew wide social media attention.
• Most mainstream outlets list an Oct. 3 theatrical release, though at least one report cites Dec. 12, indicating a discrepancy in reported dates.