The Birthday Cake

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 18, 2021

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Shiloh Fernandez as Gio
• Ewan McGregor as Father Kelly
• Val Kilmer as Uncle Angelo
• Lorraine Bracco as Sofia
• Ashley Benson as Tracey
• Vincent Pastore as Vinnie
• William Fichtner as Uncle Ricardo
• Paul Sorvino as Uncle Carmine

Director
Jimmy Giannopoulos

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Beautiful Pain (2017, short film)

Producer
Shiloh Fernandez, Diomedes Raul Bermudez, Siena Oberman, Jeremy M. Rosen

Writer
Jimmy Giannopoulos, Diomedes Raul Bermudez, Shiloh Fernandez

Budget
$4 million (estimated)

Production Company
LB Entertainment, Artemis Pictures, Purpose Films

Running Time
93 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Strong language
• Drug use
• Themes of organized crime

Movie Story
“The Birthday Cake” is a crime drama that follows the story of a young man named Gio (Shiloh Fernandez) as he navigates a world of crime, family loyalty, and dangerous secrets over the course of a single night. Set in Brooklyn, the film opens with Gio preparing to carry on a family tradition by bringing a birthday cake to a memorial dinner for his deceased father, who was a prominent figure in the local mafia.

The story takes place ten years after the mysterious death of Gio’s father. As Gio makes his way through the city, delivering the cake to his Uncle Angelo (Val Kilmer) and the rest of his extended family, he encounters various figures from his past and present, each with their own ties to the criminal underworld. Throughout the night, Gio uncovers shocking truths about his family’s involvement in organized crime, the true nature of his father’s death, and the dark secrets that have been kept hidden for years.

As Gio struggles to piece together the puzzle of his family’s past, he is drawn deeper into a web of violence and betrayal. The tension builds as the night progresses, leading to a dramatic and violent confrontation that forces Gio to make a choice about his future. The film explores themes of loyalty, family, and the consequences of living a life steeped in crime.

“The Birthday Cake” is a modern take on the classic mafia film, blending elements of thriller and drama to create a tense, atmospheric story. The film features a strong ensemble cast, with standout performances from Val Kilmer, who plays the intimidating and enigmatic Uncle Angelo, and Ewan McGregor, who appears as Father Kelly, a priest with his own connection to Gio’s family.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are understated, with a focus on creating a gritty, realistic portrayal of life in Brooklyn’s criminal underworld. The use of practical effects in scenes of violence adds to the film’s raw, unfiltered atmosphere. The cinematography captures the dark, moody streets of Brooklyn, enhancing the tension and sense of danger that permeates the story.

Box Office Performance
“The Birthday Cake” had a limited theatrical release and was also available on digital platforms. Its box office performance was modest, reflecting its status as an indie crime drama. However, it attracted attention for its strong cast and its unique take on the mafia genre, appealing to fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories.

Filming Locations

• Brooklyn, New York, USA
• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “In this family, you never forget where you came from.” – Uncle Angelo
• “Sometimes the only way out is through the fire.” – Gio

Behind-the-Scenes

• “The Birthday Cake” marks Jimmy Giannopoulos’ feature film directorial debut. He co-wrote the script with Shiloh Fernandez, who also stars as the lead character, Gio.
• Val Kilmer, who plays Uncle Angelo, performed his role despite significant health challenges, bringing an added layer of gravitas to his character’s presence in the film.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Birthday Cake” is a dark, atmospheric crime drama that offers a fresh take on the mafia genre. With its intense, slow-burn storytelling and strong performances from a talented cast, the film delivers a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. While it may not be a blockbuster, it is a solid entry for fans of crime dramas and those interested in stories of family, loyalty, and the cost of living a life of crime.

IMDb Rating
4.3/10