Late Fame Review: Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee Shine in a Poetic Indie Drama

When indie cinema quietly resurfaces a hidden gem, it often does so without fanfare. "Late Fame"—the latest film from director Kent Jones—has finally moved from festival screens to theaters after debuting at Venice a year ago. Starring Willem Dafoe as former poet‑turned‑postal worker Ed Saxberger and Greta Lee as the charismatic leader of a young art collective, the movie blends nostalgia with a modern critique of digital culture. Its modest release invites audiences to reconsider how art is rediscovered and celebrated in a city that has long moved on.

What happened

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2025, where critics noted its delicate handling of Arthur Schnitzler’s 1890 novella, transposed from Vienna to New York’s fading Soho district. Kent Jones directs while Oscar‑nominated screenwriter Samy Burch adapts the source material, focusing on a rediscovered poet.

Willem Dafoe plays Ed Saxberger, a 37‑year postal employee who once published a modest book of poems in the late 1970s. Greta Lee portrays Meyers, the head of the Enthusiasm Society—a group of twenty‑something admirers who seek to excavate forgotten greatness. The society tracks down Saxberger, inviting him into their analog‑first world and prompting a revival of his artistic identity.

Why it matters

By shifting a classic European story to contemporary New York, the film comments on how artistic value is filtered through nostalgia and social media hype. It highlights the tension between a generation that idolizes past genius and the reality of aging creators who have slipped into anonymity. For indie filmmakers, "Late Fame" demonstrates that modest budgets and character focus can still generate critical buzz and meaningful audience connections.

How to think about it

Approach the film as a meditation on artistic legacy rather than a conventional thriller. Let the dialogue and visual texture guide you, and consider how each scene reflects the broader theme of rediscovery. If you’re drawn to character studies, allow the quiet moments to resonate before judging the story’s momentum.

FAQ