Actor Jennifer Esposito, widely recognized for her role as CIA Deputy Director Susan Raynor in the Amazon series ‘The Boys’, has openly discussed the considerable challenges she faced in bringing her dream project, ‘Fresh Kills’, to fruition. In a heartfelt conversation with People, Esposito shared the emotional and financial hurdles she had to overcome to make her directorial debut a reality.
The multi-talented Esposito, who not only wrote, directed, but also stars in ‘Fresh Kills’, made a guest appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” There, she candidly revealed the extent of her personal investment in the film. “I produced it and paid for most of it myself,” she stated, adding poignantly, “I mortgaged my home.”
Her determination and resilience are evident in her narrative. Esposito, known for her performances in series such as ‘Blue Bloods’, premiered her first feature film at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. ‘Fresh Kills’ is a murder drama set in Staten Island, where she portrays a family matriarch. The ensemble cast includes Emily Bader, Odessa A’zion, Nick Cirillo, and Annabella Sciorra.
Esposito emphasized that ‘Fresh Kills’ presents a unique perspective in the mafia genre by focusing on the experiences and viewpoints of women. A Brooklyn native who grew up in Staten Island, she drew inspiration from observing the intense anger of young women brought up in environments affected by criminal activities. “I realized, it’s really more about choice,” she explained. “I kept going back to [the script] whenever I faced roadblocks in either my career or my life and thought, ‘That’s where that rage came from.’ It’s about the societal boxes we are put in, and they didn’t have a choice.”
Her journey to bring ‘Fresh Kills’ to life was tumultuous. Esposito admitted that she “definitely went a little insane” during the process. “No one wanted to make it.
. I couldn’t even get people to read it. And when [they] did read it, it was like, ‘We’ll give you $5 million if you cast it with a big-name man. Because females don’t sell movies.'”
The resilience and faith in her vision led Esposito to approach her husband, Jesper Vesterstrom, in 2020 with a bold idea. “I went to my nice husband and was like, ‘Hey, I got an idea. What do you think about mortgaging the house?’ I do believe if you don’t bet on yourself, who is going to bet on you?” she stated.
The narrative of ‘Fresh Kills’ closely mirrors Esposito’s personal experiences and struggles, reflecting the difficulties women face when trying to break free from restrictive societal norms. The film’s unique angle of narrating the mafia story through the lens of female protagonists provides a fresh, compelling narrative that defies traditional genre conventions.
The film is a reflection of Esposito’s fierce dedication and hard work, underlined by her decision to finance it independently. Her story of personal sacrifice and unwavering belief in her project is an inspiring tale of passion and tenacity.
Esposito’s directorial debut has garnered significant attention, not only for its unique storyline and compelling performances but also for the remarkable journey it took to come into existence. The film industry is notoriously difficult to navigate, especially for projects that do not fit into conventional molds, and Esposito’s experience underscores the broader challenges faced by women in the industry.
Her bold choice to mortgage her home to finance ‘Fresh Kills’ stands as a testament to her commitment to authentic storytelling and her belief in the importance of diverse narratives. It also highlights the broader issues of gender disparity in Hollywood, where projects led by women often struggle to secure funding compared to their male counterparts.
In reflecting on her journey, Esposito’s story is not just about making a film but also about breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. As ‘Fresh Kills’ continues to make waves at film festivals and beyond, it serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through unyielding determination and hard work.
