By GABRIELLA BOCK | Reporter
Palisadian darling Jennifer Garner is making her way back onto the silver screen in next month’s “The Tribes of Palos Verdes,” a slow-burning coming-of-age drama based off Joy Nicholson’s 1997 novel of the same title.
Shot in Southern California, this familial gem centers around teenager Medina Mason (Maika Monroe), who is struggling to find her place in life after moving from the Midwest to a well-to-do coastal community.
Caught in the middle of her parents’—played by Texas-born Gardner and Justin Kirk—crumbling relationship, Medina discovers a quiet, comfortable solitude at the beach where she soon takes up surfing as a way to escape from the chaotic world around her.
In a well-received pivot away from her previously held roles, Garner has already by lauded by festival circuit critics for her strong and poignant performance as an unraveling mother in this subtle, yet highly effective film.
Directed by Brendan and Emmett Malloy (“Out Cold”), “Tribes” won the Directors to Watch Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last January before being picked up by Sundance Selects/IFC Films for distribution.
“Brendan and Emmett Malloy have created an exquisite film that achieves mastery in its artistic elements while also capturing a story about love, bravery and the journey to redemption,” Jonathan Sehring and Lisa Schwartz, co-presidents of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, said in a statement to Variety.
Also starring Cody Fern, Noah Silver and Alicia Silverstone, “The Tribes of Palos Verdes” arrives in limited theaters Dec. 1.
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