You know that feeling when you stumble onto a movie on a rainy Tuesday and realize it’s actually a masterpiece? That’s City Island. Released back in 2009, this indie dramedy didn't have a billion-dollar Marvel budget, but it had something way more valuable: a cast that actually felt like a family. A messy, lying, smoking-on-the-back-deck kind of family.
The cast of City Island is the primary reason the film transitioned from a quiet Tribeca Film Festival debut to a cult favorite. It’s a Bronx-set story about the Rizzo family, where every single member is harboring a secret that would probably blow the house down if it ever came out. Honestly, watching Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies scream at each other over dinner is more entertaining than most modern blockbusters. It works because it’s grounded.
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The Anchors: Andy Garcia and Julianna Margulies
Andy Garcia plays Vince Rizzo. He’s a corrections officer who wants to be an actor. That’s his secret. It sounds simple, but Garcia plays it with this specific kind of suburban desperation that hits hard. He’s usually known for being "cool" or "tough" in movies like The Godfather Part III or Ocean's Eleven, but here, he's just a guy who’s terrified his wife will find out he’s taking acting classes. It’s a vulnerable performance. Garcia actually produced the film too, which shows how much he believed in the script by Raymond De Felitta.
Then you have Julianna Margulies as Joyce Rizzo. This was right around the time she was starting her massive run on The Good Wife, and she is unrecognizable here. She’s loud. She’s cynical. She’s suspicious. Joyce is the heartbeat of the household's anxiety, convinced that Vince is cheating on her because he’s always sneaking around. The chemistry between Garcia and Margulies is caustic. It’s the kind of screen marriage that feels like it has fifteen years of unwashed dishes and unpaid bills behind it.
Ezra Miller and the Breakout Performance
Long before the headlines and the big-budget superhero roles, Ezra Miller was Vince Jr. This was one of Miller's earliest roles, and honestly, they steal every scene. Vince Jr. has a very specific, very strange secret: he has a fetish for extremely obese women. It’s handled with a mix of cringe-comedy and genuine teenage awkwardness.
Miller plays the role with a deadpan sincerity that makes the absurdity work. You aren't laughing at him as much as you're laughing at the sheer weirdness of the human condition. Seeing a young Miller navigate this script is a reminder of the raw talent that first put them on the map.
Dominik García-Lorido plays Vivian, the daughter. Fun fact: she’s actually Andy Garcia’s real-life daughter. Often, casting a relative can feel like nepotism gone wrong, but here, it adds a layer of authenticity. The way they bicker feels practiced. It feels real. Vivian is home from college but she’s actually been expelled and is working as a stripper to hide it. Again, everyone has a secret. The cast of City Island thrives on these layers of deception.
The Outsiders: Steven Strait and Emily Mortimer
The plot really kicks into gear when Vince discovers he has a secret son from a previous relationship—Tony, played by Steven Strait. Tony is a convict at the prison where Vince works. Without telling Tony who he is, Vince brings him home to "do chores" around the house while on parole. Strait plays the "straight man" to the family's insanity. He’s the observer.
Then there’s Emily Mortimer as Molly. She’s Vince’s partner in acting class. Mortimer is one of those actors who can make any character feel like a three-dimensional person with just a few lines. Her presence provides the catalyst for Vince to finally start telling the truth, even if it’s through the guise of a monologue.
Why the Ensemble Works Better Than the Script
On paper, City Island could have been a disaster. It’s a farce. It relies on people not talking to each other for 90 minutes. But the cast makes you care about the why.
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- Vince (Andy Garcia): Driven by a late-in-life dream.
- Joyce (Julianna Margulies): Driven by the fear of being replaced.
- Tony (Steven Strait): Driven by a need for a family he never had.
The movie explores the idea that we lie to the people we love because we’re afraid they won’t like the "real" version of us. It’s a universal theme wrapped in a very specific Italian-American Bronx package.
The Setting as a Character
City Island itself is a real place. It’s a tiny fishing village in the Bronx that feels more like New England than New York City. The cast fits into this environment perfectly. The cramped houses, the peeling paint, the local diners—it all contributes to the "lived-in" feel of the movie.
Director Raymond De Felitta grew up around these types of stories. He captures the rhythm of the dialogue—the overlapping voices and the way New Yorkers use insults as a term of endearment. If you’ve ever lived in a tight-knit community, you’ll recognize these characters immediately.
The film won the Audience Award at Tribeca for a reason. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn't feel cheap. It’s smart. It’s funny. It’s also surprisingly moving.
What Happened to the Cast?
Since 2009, the cast of City Island has gone in wildly different directions. Andy Garcia continues to be a legend, recently appearing in the Father of the Bride remake. Julianna Margulies became television royalty with The Good Wife and later The Morning Show.
Ezra Miller became a household name (for various reasons). Emily Mortimer transitioned into writing and directing, notably with the excellent series The Pursuit of Love.
Watching the film now feels like a time capsule. It was a moment where a group of incredibly talented people came together to make a small, character-driven story that didn't need explosions to be exciting.
Hidden Details You Probably Missed
The movie is packed with small acting choices. Pay attention to how Andy Garcia handles a cigarette. It’s a nervous habit that defines his character's internal struggle. Look at the way Margulies watches him from the window. The body language tells you everything the dialogue doesn't.
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There’s a scene where the family finally sits down and the secrets start coming out. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s one of the best-edited sequences in independent film from that era. The timing of the actors is impeccable. They aren't waiting for their turn to speak; they are reacting in real-time.
Final Insights for Your Next Watch
If you haven't seen City Island in a few years, it’s time for a rewatch. If you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a treat. It’s a masterclass in ensemble acting.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the "Audition" Scene: Pay close attention to Andy Garcia’s performance when his character has to actually "act" for a role. It’s a meta-moment that shows his range.
- Compare to The Bear: If you enjoy the high-tension family dynamics of modern shows like The Bear, you’ll see the DNA of that stress in the Rizzo family dinners.
- Check the Credits: Look for the cameos. The film is filled with New York character actors who you’ll recognize from Law & Order and other local staples.
- Listen to the Commentary: If you can find the DVD or a digital version with the director's commentary, Raymond De Felitta explains how they captured the "City Island" vibe on a shoestring budget.
The movie reminds us that while every family has its secrets, the truth is usually a lot funnier (and more liberating) than the lie. Go watch it. It's a gem.