'The 40-Year-Old Version': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Radha Blank's Netflix comedy
Acclaimed playwright and writer Radha Blank is set to make her directional debut with 'The 40-Year-Old Version' that had initially released at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The film is written, directed and even stars Blank. It is a semi-autobiographical release that follows the life of a "once-promising playwright who reinvigorates her creativity when she begins rapping." Netflix recently acquired worldwide right to the film, and here is all you need to know about its release on the streamer.
Release date
'The 40-Year-Old Version' releases on October 9, 2020.
Plot
The official synopsis reads, "Nearing 40 and still struggling as a playwright, frustrated New Yorker Radha turns to a different kind of stage, awakening a rapper alter-ego named RadhaMUSprime. As her revitalized artistic voice blossoms, Radha must learn to juggle her two personas - and two unique New York art scenes. In her debut feature, writer-director Radha Blank plays the deeply personal lead role, a magnetic presence with a unique perspective, creating a film that is a fresh addition to the New York City slice-of-life canon."
Cast
Radha Blank
Radha Blank is a director, performer, playwright, and writer, and '40-Year-Old Version' marks her feature film directing debut. Her play 'SEED' is what she's known for, but she has also written from Fox's 'Empire' and Netflix's 'She's Gotta Have It.' The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2020 and went on to win the US Dramatic Competition Directing Award and a nomination for U.S. Dramatic Competition Grand Jury Prize. Although extremely skilled on stage and on screen, Radha is also a performer at RadhaMUSprime that dishes out prime hip-hop comedy. Not to mention, Variety has also honored her on the '10 Directors to Watch for 2020.' Her other writing credits include 'Maya the Indian Princess' (2005) and 'Sam Bowe: Speech Writer' (2015) which she also directed. She is also recognized for her acting roles in 'Mixing Nia' (1998) and 'Timeless' (2018).
The rest of the cast includes Peter Y Kim as Archie, Oswin Benjamin as D, Reed Birney as Josh Whitman, Imani Lewis as Elaine, TJ Atoms as Kamal, Welker White as Julie, Jacob Ming-Trent as Lamont, Haskiri Velazquez as Rosa, Imani Lewis as Elaine, Peggy J Scott as Joy, Antonio Ortiz as Waldo, Mina Joo as Janelly, Ashlee Brian as Avery, and many more.
Creators
The movie is written and directed by Radha with Lena Waithe, Jordan Fudge, Radha Blank, Inuka Bacote-Capiga, Jennifer Semler, Rishi Rajani serving as producers.
Trailer
The trailer is quite an inviting one and is entirely in black and white. It's about Radha, once a playwright with a bright future, now getting pity stares from colleagues as she sits through teaching brats about how to write a play. Deciding to take control of her life at that point, she decides to make a mixtape - an idea that completely changes the game.
Where to watch
Catch 'The 40-Year-Old Version' on October 9, 2020, on Netflix.
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