Full Breakdown
Jordan Firstman's Directorial Debut **Club Kid** Opens Limited-Release on Nov. 6
7/15/2026, 12:27:28 AM
Release and Premiere Reception
“Club Kid,” Jordan Firstman’s first feature as writer-director, will open in a limited theatrical run on Nov. 6, 2026. The film debuted in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, where it earned a seven-minute standing ovation and prompted actress Cara Delevingne to become visibly emotional. A24 secured worldwide distribution rights, reportedly outbidding several competitors with a purchase price in the high-teens-of-millions dollar range. The same weekend sees the wide releases of Warner Bros. Animation’s *The Cat in the Hat*, Sony’s *Archangel*, GKIDS’ *Godzilla Minus Zero*, Searchlight’s *Wild Horse Nine*, Amazon MGM’s *I Play Rock*, and Netflix’s Cannes acquisition *La Bola Negra*.
Background and Production Context
Firstman, previously known for his work in comedy and short-form media, both wrote and directed “Club Kid.” The narrative follows a hard-party-going New York City club promoter whose life is upended by the sudden appearance of a ten-year-old son he never knew existed. A24’s acquisition marks the studio’s continued investment in auteur-driven indie projects, and the reported high-teen-million dollar deal underscores the film’s perceived market potential.
Critical Reception and Metrics
The film holds a 100 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting unanimous approval from critics who have reviewed it to date. Deadline film critic Damon Wise praised the work as “an unlikely but still beautifully human story” and highlighted Firstman’s “elegant switch into a more serious tone, one that addresses all the questions you might have had about this man and his fitness to raise a kid.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “an unlikely but still beautifully human story” — Damon Wise, Deadline film critic
- “Watch on Deadline Deadline film critic Damon Wise described the film as “an unlikely but still beautifully human story” and praised Firstman’s ” elegant switch into a more serious tone, one that addresses all the questions you might have had about this man and his fitness to raise a kid.” — Damon Wise, Deadline film critic
Impact and Industry Context
“Club Kid” joins a crowded November slate, positioning A24 against major studio releases while reinforcing its reputation for championing distinctive, character-driven cinema. The film’s perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and Cannes acclaim may bolster its limited-run performance and influence future acquisition strategies for similar indie projects.
