Despite some minor flaws, SHIFTER’s Kevin Bourne calls Chris Rock’s latest “a resounding success” in his Misty Green film review.
“Both in front of the camera and as a writer, Rock does an excellent job of balancing drama with moments of comedy.” -Kevin Bourne
Fans know Chris Rock as a comedy legend and actor, spanning film and television, including his time on Saturday Night Live. They may even know him for his many comedy specials over the years. But not a lot of fans know Chris Rock the writer and director.
Rock made his directorial debut back in 2003 with Head Of State, which he also co-wrote and starred in. He pulled triple duty as co-writer, director, and star of the romantic comedy I Think I Love My Wife (2007) and his semi-autobiographical film Top Five (2014).
Rock is back once again as writer, director, and star of Misty Green which had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Inspired by his own actor friends who struggle to find roles as they get older, Misty Green follows the Emmy-winning title character (Rosalind Eleazar) as she tries to overcome her demons and keep her acting career alive. Standing in her way is her bad attitude, drug habit, her loyalty to her brother (David Kaluuya) who suffers from bipolar disorder, and a looming eviction from her apartment.
Her fortunes begins to change when she runs into director Jordan Green (Rock) who is casting for a Dreamgirls — a role that can turn around her fledgling career. The only problem is he had a bad experience working with her in the past.
The film is said to be a “satire on the institutional bigotry and soul-draining hustle associated with trying to make it in the industry”–basically all the bullshit that comes with trying to make it as an actor in L.A. The tone is dark and sad as we watch someone, who clearly has talent, has become jaded and crushed over the years, even to the point of losing herself. The film shows the lengths that some people are willing to go to in order to reach the top, all while trying to hold their personal lives together.
Just like us Black folk do, this film does a good job of using humor to address very serious subject matter. Both in front of the camera and as a writer, Rock does an excellent job of balancing drama with moments of comedy.
Also adding to the story is the setting–Los Angeles. It’s refreshing to see a film set and shot in L.A. given the current state of the industry in California. Not every film’s setting is important to the story, even to the point of becoming a main or supporting character, but this film is one of those. L.A. is realistically presented as both a city of big dreams and a city of heartbreak. The beauty of the landscapes and cityscapes are a contrast to the ugliness of Misty Green’s everyday life.
Rosalind Eleazar (Slow Horses) does an excellent and believable job as a leading lady, completely transforming into Misty Green, portraying her as a wildly talented actor and singer who keeps getting in her own way. Don’t be surprised if this performance garners Eleazar some nominations come award season, leading to more leading roles in the future, because as Tiffany Haddish would say, “She ready!!!”
In what limited screen time he was given, David Kaluuya (Get Out) effortlessly goes back and forth between mental clarity to an all out bipolar episode, showing ridiculous range. But we only expect the best performances from Kaluuya. Despite some comedic moments, Anna Kendrick (Babies) shows her dramatic chops appearing as Misty’s bestie Naomi who, despite being in a serious and stable relationship, has a deep love for Black men. Rounding out the impressive cast, is Oscar nominee Adam Driver (Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker) in a minor role as Misty’s former love interest who presents her with an offer that could compromise her acting comeback.
Misty Green has all the ingredients of an excellent film, and it delivers on that for the most part. Yes, there’s an awkward side quest travel scene that comes out of nowhere and takes the story in an odd direction that doesn’t seem to fit. The ending also feels a bit abrupt and leaves much to be desired. Still, the writing and performances, including a nomination worthy performance from Eleazar, make Misty Green a resounding success that Rock and company should be very proud of.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s editor-in-chief and Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter focusing on film & TV, music, and fashion. He was named one of 340 international voters for the Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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