At the very end of the 1970’s, post office worker Ed Saxberger (Willem Dafoe) wrote a book of poetry that nobody cared about. After an eager and flattering fan (Edmund Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of young admirers who anoint him a rediscovered genius. The group of downtown bohemians is led by their “tragic heroine,” Gloria (Greta Lee). Intoxicated by the attention, and Gloria’s alluring presence, Saxberger gradually reckons with the authenticity of his newfound poetic circle. From director Kent Jones (“Diane”), Oscar-nominated screenwriter Samy Burch (“May December”), and based on Arthur Schnitzler’s novella of the same name, “Late Fame” is a wistful yet unromantic look at a lost idea of downtown New York.
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee, Edmund Donovan, Clay Singer, Arthur Langlie and Graham Campbell
Director: Kent Jones
Producers: Pam Koffler, Christine Vachon, Mason Plotts, Danny Roberts, H.S. Naji, Jackie Langelier, Ethan Lazar and Taylor Shung
Written By: Samy Burch and Arthur Schnitzler
"Dafoe gives a performance so natural it barely looks like acting at all."
Xan Brooks, The Guardian"The movie abounds in exquisite grace notes. Dafoe is magnificent."
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter"The movie confirms Kent Jones's lyrical gifts as a filmmaker. Greta Lee is mesmerizing."
Owen Gleiberman, Variety"A loving and lovely sensibility runs through 'Late Fame.'"
Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times"Luminous. Dafoe is terrific."
Stephanie Zacharek, TIME"Willem Dafoe proves once again that he's a national treasure, delivering a warm, wry performance. Greta Lee is mesmerizing."
Nigel Smith, People"Like a wonderful little poem. A touching nod to the past, gracefully intertwining aspects of 'Metropolitan' and 'Dead Poets Society.'"
Kyle Smith, Wall Street Journal
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Late Fame is now in theaters and on digital. Rent or buy it on Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Google Play and Kaleidescape, or watch on demand through DISH and Verizon Fios.
Yes. Late Fame arrived on digital on October 6, 2026, and is available to rent or buy from major digital platforms.
Yes. Late Fame opened in theaters on August 7, 2026, at Film Forum and Film at Lincoln Center in New York, and is still playing in select theaters. Search the theater list on this page for showtimes near you.
Late Fame runs 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Late Fame was directed by Kent Jones (Diane) from a screenplay by Oscar-nominated writer Samy Burch (May December). It premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival and played the Main Slate of the 2025 New York Film Festival.
Late Fame stars Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee, with Edmund Donovan, Clay Singer, Arthur Langlie and Graham Campbell.
At the end of the 1970s, a forgotten post office worker and poet, Ed Saxberger (Willem Dafoe), is embraced by a circle of young downtown New York bohemians led by the alluring Gloria (Greta Lee), who anoint him a rediscovered genius, until he begins to question how genuine their admiration really is.
Yes. Late Fame is adapted from Arthur Schnitzler's novella of the same name, published in English by NYRB Classics.
