Ahead of its nationwide release on September 19, Magnolia Pictures rolled out the red carpet for Plainclothes at the IFC Center in New York City on September 17, embracing a more intimate, art‑house–style premiere than a grand gala. 

Cast, filmmakers, press, and a carefully curated audience gathered in the low lighting of the IFC lobby, the marquee glowing with the film’s title. There was an unmistakable buzz in the air—not the spectacle of a blockbuster, but the tense, electric excitement of a film that already feels urgent. Director Carmen Emmi and leads Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey were in attendance, joining the handshake line before the screening and offering glimpses of their chemistry and shared commitment to this bold, emotionally fraught story. After the credits rolled, the trio returned to the stage for a thoughtful post-screening Q&A.

The film will then open in LA from 25th September and hitting more states from 3rd October.

Critics are already buzzing, praising the film’s bold direction, emotional depth, and the electric tension between its leads…

“An emotionally raw film that confronts queerness, authority, and longing with bold honesty.” – Geek Vibes Nation

“Tom Blyth delivers a heartbreaking performance that anchors this visually striking character study.” – The Cinema Group

“Magnetic chemistry between the leads makes every moment of repression and release deeply felt.” – RogerEbert.com

“A haunting reminder of past repression that still echoes in the present, carried by superb atmosphere and craft.” – Awards Focus

“Writer-director Carmen Emmi’s evocative debut… ultimately igniting through the quiet agony of living as someone you’re not.” – The New York Times

“Well-attuned to shifts in perception… dimensionalizes the problem of achieving clarity when leading a double life.” – Los Angeles Times

In 1990s Syracuse, a promising young undercover cop (Tom Blyth) assigned to entrap and arrest gay men defies orders when he falls in love with a target (Russell Tovey).

Find a screening near you and get your tickets at: www.plainclothesthemovie.com

Production Companies: Lorton Entertainment, Page 1, Podwall Entertainment and Mini Productions

Photos:
Top – Cast and Crew (left to right): Arthur Landon, Eric Podwall, Colby Cote, Carmen Emmi, Alexander Wenger, Russell Tovey, April Kelley and Tom Blyth

Bottom – the boys (left to right): Tom Blyth, Carmen Emmi and Russell Tovey