The King of Staten Island

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 12, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Pete Davidson as Scott Carlin
• Marisa Tomei as Margie Carlin
• Bill Burr as Ray Bishop
• Bel Powley as Kelsey
• Ricky Velez as Oscar
• Moisés Arias as Igor
• Lou Wilson as Richie
• Steve Buscemi as Papa

Director
Judd Apatow

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
• Knocked Up (2007)
• Trainwreck (2015)
• This Is 40 (2012)

Producer

• Judd Apatow
• Barry Mendel

Writer

• Judd Apatow
• Pete Davidson
• Dave Sirus

Budget
$35 million

Production Company

• Apatow Productions
• Perfect World Pictures
• Universal Pictures

Running Time
136 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Drug use
• Sexual content
• Themes of grief and trauma

Movie Story
“The King of Staten Island” is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama that centers around Scott Carlin (Pete Davidson), a 24-year-old high school dropout still grappling with the trauma of losing his firefighter father at a young age. Living with his mother, Margie (Marisa Tomei), in Staten Island, Scott spends his days hanging out with friends, getting high, and dreaming of becoming a tattoo artist, though he lacks the motivation to pursue his goals seriously.

Scott’s life is disrupted when his mother begins dating Ray Bishop (Bill Burr), a firefighter like Scott’s late father. This new relationship forces Scott to confront his unresolved grief and his fear of moving forward in life. Initially resentful of Ray, Scott eventually begins to see him as a father figure, leading to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Throughout the film, Scott’s relationships with his friends, his sister Claire (Maude Apatow), and his girlfriend Kelsey (Bel Powley) are explored, highlighting the struggles of young adulthood and the impact of loss on personal development. As Scott gradually comes to terms with his past, he starts to take responsibility for his future, finding a new sense of purpose and direction.

“The King of Staten Island” is both a comedy and a poignant exploration of grief, mental health, and the challenges of growing up. Pete Davidson’s performance is deeply personal, reflecting his own experiences, and Judd Apatow’s direction balances humor with heartfelt moments, making the film a moving and relatable story about finding oneself.

Special Effects
The film is grounded in reality and focuses on character development and dialogue rather than special effects. The Staten Island setting is depicted authentically, with real locations used to enhance the film’s sense of place and community.

Box Office Performance
“The King of Staten Island” was originally intended for a theatrical release, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released directly to video-on-demand. Despite this, the film was well-received and became one of the top rentals on digital platforms. Its success was largely driven by Pete Davidson’s fanbase and the strong critical reviews praising the film’s balance of humor and emotion.

Filming Locations

• Staten Island, New York, USA
• Brooklyn, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’m still trying to figure out my sh*t, too, man.” – Scott Carlin
• “You’re not going to be a tattoo artist if you don’t practice.” – Ray Bishop

Behind-the-Scenes
The film draws heavily from Pete Davidson’s real life, particularly the loss of his father, who was a firefighter killed during the September 11 attacks. Davidson worked closely with Judd Apatow to develop the story, infusing it with his own brand of humor and vulnerability. The film’s emotional depth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew to bring Davidson’s story to life in an authentic and relatable way.

Awards

• Critics’ Choice Award Nomination: Best Comedy
• Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Awards: Best Actor in a Comedy (Pete Davidson)

Final Verdict
“The King of Staten Island” is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of grief, growing up, and finding purpose. Pete Davidson’s performance is both funny and raw, providing a window into his personal struggles while delivering a relatable story for anyone who has felt lost in life. Judd Apatow’s direction ensures that the film balances its comedic elements with genuine emotional moments, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven comedies.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10