Lange’s comeback movie with Ed Harris hits theaters today
Two-time Academy Award winner Jessica Lange is set to step back into the spotlight, trading the stage for the big screen in her latest dramatic endeavor. After a period focused on television and theater, Lange is returning to cinematic storytelling with a powerful adaptation of one of America’s most enduring literary works, bringing her celebrated presence alongside a trove of cinematic legends.
This new feature film draws its inspiration from Eugene O’Neill’s classic play, Long Day’s Journey into Night, a drama renowned for its intense exploration of family, regret, and the corrosive effects of memory. The film transports viewers to a deeply emotional and complex single day in August 1912, set at the Tyrone family’s seaside Connecticut home.
The emotional core of the story revolves around the Tyrone family grappling with deep-seated pain. Mary Tyrone, portrayed by Lange, is battling a serious morphine addiction, while her husband James, played by Ed Harris, reflects on the life choices and financial decisions that have shaped his existence. The narrative unfolds as the family members confront addiction, illness, and the painful conflicts that slowly tear their relationships apart.
Adding depth to the narrative is the compelling portrayal of the family’s sons. Edmund (played by Colin Morgan) is dealing with a serious diagnosis of tuberculosis, while his brother Jamie (played by Ben Foster) carries his own frustrations and simmering resentments toward the family unit.
The film is anchored by an exceptional ensemble cast. Ed Harris stars opposite Lange as James Tyrone, while Foster and Morgan bring vital energy to the roles of the sons. This powerful pairing is complemented by the depth provided by the entire supporting cast.
The vision behind this adaptation comes from Jonathan Kent, who is making his feature directorial debut. Kent adapted the sprawling stage play into a cohesive 109-minute feature, successfully condensing O’Neill’s epic journey into a tightly focused cinematic experience.
Lange’s connection to the source material is notable; she previously brought the material to life on Broadway in 2016, earning a Tony Award for her performance, establishing a powerful connection to the source material before this cinematic leap.
Quiver Distribution acquired the film for its domestic theatrical release, promising a profound dramatic experience for audiences eager to witness a classic story reimagined for a new generation. The movie is scheduled for release on Friday, September 25, 2026, hitting select movie theaters.