“Fresh Kills” marks Jennifer Esposito’s directorial debut; she is well recognized for her roles in “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos,” two iconic Hollywood series. By narrating the story from a female protagonist’s perspective, Esposito departs from the stereotypical male-dominated mafia narrative.
“Fresh Kills,” which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and is currently playing at the Annapolis Film Festival, follows the story of Joe Larusso’s (Esposito) wife, Francine. Focusing on Francine’s connection with her two kids, Connie and Rose, the film delves into the lives, aspirations, and obstacles faced by women in a mafia-controlled society set in Staten Island during the late 80s and 90s.
In her film, Esposito seeks to highlight the often-overlooked stories of women involved in the mafia, questioning traditional depictions and amplifying their voices.