J.K. Simmons, Abby Elliott and John Reynolds Lead Coming-of-Age Film Purgatory

J.K. Simmons, The Bear actor Abby Elliott and John Reynolds are set to star in Purgatory, a coming-of-age comedy-drama marking the feature directorial debut of Lindsay Lanzillotta.

The independent film recently wrapped production in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Newcomers Ruby McGurrin and Lauren MacRae lead the cast, alongside Mary Walsh, Jack Innanen, Julianne Arrieta, Marcus Ngo and Gemma Rosaria Rae.

Set in the early 1980s, Purgatory follows 13-year-old Beatrice Gravel (McGurrin), whose stable life begins to fall apart when her mother (Elliott) leaves home to “self-actualize.” Beatrice and her sister (MacRae) are left with their heartbroken father (Reynolds). Determined to fix her family, Beatrice navigates school bullies, friendship drama, a make-out party and a troublesome babysitter, while trying to figure out who she wants to become.

Simmons plays Father Malone, a confidant to Beatrice. Innanen appears as the school’s vice principal and the mother’s new romantic interest. Walsh portrays a teacher, and Arrieta plays the PTA president.

The film is directed by Lanzillotta from a screenplay by Christine Speer. In a statement, Lanzillotta said she connected deeply with the story, describing it as “heartfelt and funny” and “brutally honest.” She added that she was drawn to telling a story set in the 1980s that balances humor with emotional depth as she makes her debut as a feature director.