Fresh off its triumphant run on the festival circuit, Chaperone is poised to make a significant impact in theaters and beyond. The film, which garnered the Grand Jury Award for Best Breakout Feature at Slamdance ’24 and the Best Actress Award for Mitzi Akaha at Brooklyn Film Festival ’24, will open in select theaters starting September 11, 2025. It will then be available on Digital and VOD platforms from October 3, 2025.
Set against the lush backdrop of Hilo, Hawaii, Chaperone features an entirely AANHPI cast, showcasing authentic voices and faces rarely seen in mainstream cinema. The story centers on Misha Miyamoto, a 29-year-old woman leading a quiet, unambitious life. Living alone in her grandmother’s house and working at the same job since high school, Misha finds comfort in her simplicity—yet her contentment is met with confusion and concern from those around her.
Her boss struggles to understand why she refuses a promotion, her parents push her to sell the house and pursue a more traditional path, and her lack of romantic interest leaves her isolated from potential partners. Feeling increasingly alienated by societal expectations, Misha begins to seek solace in an unlikely friendship with Jake, an earnest 18-year-old athlete. Their relationship sparks when Jake mistakenly believes Misha is a fellow high school student, a misadventure that sets the stage for a complex exploration of identity, longing, and reckless freedom.
As Misha immerses herself in Jake’s carefree teenage world, she begins to unravel her own boundaries—pushing past inhibitions and confronting the dangerous allure of escape. Writer and director Zoë Eisenberg masterfully juxtaposes the seductive appeal of youthful rebellion with its underlying risks, weaving a narrative that probes the consequences of seeking refuge in unconventional connections.
Chaperone is Eisenberg’s captivating debut feature, crafted with a keen eye for character and nuance. Produced by Alison Week and Devin Murphy, and executive produced by industry veterans Adam Wong, Lauran Bromley, Gill Holland, and Gerard Elmore, the film boasts a compelling soundtrack by Taimane and editing by Kali Kasashima. Through a thoughtful blend of storytelling and authentic performances, Chaperone invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of identity, the desire for belonging, and the dangerous allure of fleeting escapes.
As the film prepares for its wider release, it promises to resonate with viewers seeking stories that challenge conventions and explore the depths of human connection. With its debut recognition and powerful narrative, Chaperone marks a noteworthy new voice in contemporary cinema—one that is both magnetic and stirring.
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