Tribeca Film Review: Marc Maron Gives the Performance of His Career in the Funny and Touching ‘In Memoriam’

When you see an actor perfectly cast in something, it can be very exciting. When that actor gives the best performance of his career so far, that’s even better. Such is the case with Marc Maron and In Memoriam, a tailor made project for his talents that he absolutely knocks out of the park. It’s a wonderful film with an absolute stunner of a performance. This is a Tribeca Festival highlight and one of my favorite things so far in 2026.

In Memoriam sneaks up on you with how funny and how touching it winds up being. The subject matter could suggest a mean-spirited black comedy as much as a tearjerking melodrama, so there’s a fine line to walk balancing emotions. That the flick genuinely made me laugh and actually brought me to tears by the end says something. The movie has the goods, resulting in something that’s deeply satisfying to watch.

Langston (Maron) was once a highly respected actor. Then, he took the easy money on a sitcom, and once that ended, has faded from his glory days. One day, a doctor’s appointment leads to a surprise diagnosis of terminal cancer. Rocked to his core and uninterested in treatment, his life has lost all meaning, at least until he comes up with a request for his longtime agent (Michael McKean). What does Langston want? To be featured during the “In Memoriam” section of the Academy Awards.

As Langston navigates his diagnosis with therapist Samantha (Lily Gladstone) and works towards his Oscar-related goal, he also bonds with his estranged daughter Maura (Talia Ryder). Her mother and his ex (Judy Greer) sees no redeeming qualities in him anymore, but Langston and Maura recognize kindred spirits. With a ticking clock on his personal and professional life, Langston must come to terms with who he is, who he was, and who he might still be able to be.

Marc Maron gives the performance of his career here. As a comedian and persona, we’ve seen Maron be vulnerable and face death/mortality (see the amazing documentary Are We Good? from last year’s Tribeca, which I rave about here), but never in a fictional character like this. It’s absolute aces, too, as there’s nary a missed beat. The dark comedy works, the emotions hit, and before long, you care deeply for Langston. It’s stunningly good work. Talia Ryder also builds on her impressive work a few years back in Never Rarely Sometimes Always with this spunky performance that pairs really well with Maron. Lily Gladstone is good in a role that doesn’t ask a ton of her, as is Michael McKean. In addition to Judy Greer, supporting performers include Amanda Booth, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Justin Long, Brian Quinn, Alan Ruck, Sharon Stone, and some very fun cameos.

Filmmaker Rob Burnett knows that he has something in Maron and lets him just sing. The screenplay knows enough about the industry, both Oscars and Hollywood in general, that it feels knowledgable without ever being inside baseball. Burnett’s direction is simple, though correctly focused in on Maron and his character. Plus, Burnett comes up with the perfect ending for his flick, which takes In Memoriam to the next level.

I went into In Memoriam expecting to like it. I didn’t expect to love it and think it’s among my favorite films, not just of Tribeca 2026, but of the year so far. Yes, it’s that good and that much of a surprise. Marc Maron is amazing, though the entire project just soars off of him. This is a terrific festival title that deserves to find a home and be seen. It’s the rare work that actually makes you laugh and then makes you cry. Bravo.

SCORE: ★★★1/2