What if Pete Davidson had never become a comedian? A semi-biographical film explores.
In short: Judd Apatow’s 2020 film, The King of Staten Island, offers a fictionalized look at the life of Pete Davidson. By imagining a reality where he never pursued comedy, the film examines the lingering trauma of losing a firefighter father during the September 11 attacks and the struggle to find purpose.
The film follows Scott Carlin, a twenty-four-year-old high school dropout living in Staten Island. Struggling with Crohn's disease, ADD, and the unresolved grief of losing his firefighter father at age seven, Scott spends his days aimlessly. His life shifts when his mother, Margie, begins dating a new man—who is also a firefighter—forcing Scott to confront his deep-seated resentment toward the profession he blames for his father's death.
Director Judd Apatow co-wrote the screenplay with Davidson and Dave Sirus, drawing heavily from Davidson’s own experiences. The production, which began filming in June 2019, serves as a semi-biographical character study. While Scott aspires to be a tattoo artist, his lack of direction and fear of commitment threaten his relationship with his girlfriend, Kelsey. The narrative arc forces Scott to reconcile with his past, eventually leading him to bond with his mother’s new partner and the local firehouse community.
Originally slated for a traditional theatrical release, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Universal Pictures to pivot to a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) strategy in June 2020. The move proved successful, with the film generating an estimated $40 million in VOD sales. Critics generally praised the film, holding a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers like Richard Roeper highlighted Davidson’s nuanced performance, noting his ability to balance dark comedy with raw, emotional drama in a way that anchors the film’s exploration of permanent adolescence.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The King of Staten Island
- Also: Wikidata — The King of Staten Island · CC0
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