Maestro (2023)
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12-month trend
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2025-09 to 2026-08
The story
In 1943, a 25-year-old Leonard Bernstein makes a stunning conducting debut that catapults him to fame. Amidst his rising stardom, he falls for and marries aspiring actress Felicia Montealegre. As the years pass, the couple navigates the complexities of public life, the pressures of Leonard's success, and the personal toll of his substance abuse and various affairs. The film explores their enduring bond as they support each other's careers while facing the challenges of a high-profile life in the spotlight.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The film begins in 1987 with an elderly Leonard Bernstein reflecting on his life and his wife, Felicia. The narrative then flashes back to 1943, where a young Bernstein's debut as an assistant conductor leads to instant fame and his meeting of Felicia. They marry and have three children, navigating the 1950s and 60s as a prominent couple. While they remain devoted to one another, Leonard's struggles with substance abuse and infidelity create significant strain. A pivotal confrontation occurs in the 1970s, where Felicia warns him of the toll his lifestyle takes. Despite these conflicts, they remain united through major milestones, including his 1971 composition of Mass and a legendary 1973 performance in England. The story takes a tragic turn when Felicia is diagnosed with breast cancer and dies in 1978. The film concludes in 1987, showing a grieving but still active Bernstein, who admits how much he misses his wife.
- First release year
- 2023
- Runtime (minutes)
- 129
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Bradley Cooper
- Writers
- Bradley Cooper · writer; Josh Singer · writer
- Cast and characters
- Carey Mulligan · Felicia Montealegre; Bradley Cooper · Leonard Bernstein; Matt Bomer · not specified; Maya Hawke · not specified; Sarah Silverman · Shirley
- Genres
- biographical; romantic drama
- Tone and mood
- melodramatic; intense
- Premise and plot tags
- biopic; musical; historical drama
- Source material / true-story basis
- Based on the life and music of Leonard Bernstein.
- Content notes
- substance abuse
- Reception
- The film received generally positive reviews from critics, particularly praising the performances and direction, while some critics noted issues with the writing.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 77 · scale: 100 · review count: 62
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Lion · nomination · nomination; Academy Award · Best Picture · nomination; Academy Award · Best Actor · nomination; Academy Award · Best Actress · nom_nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was in development for nearly a decade before being released.; The film was named one of the top 10 of 2023 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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