Gia Coppola, granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola and niece of Sofia Coppola, makes her directorial debut with Palo Alto, a loose adaptation of James Franco’s short-story collection.
Franco co-stars as Mr. B., a high-school soccer coach who seduces Emma Robert’s character April. Though some critics have called April a breakout role for Roberts (We’re the Millers), it’s hard to get a strong sense of her from the trailer. April’s definitely flattered by Mr. B.’s attention — they even share a kiss — so it’ll be interesting to see how their relationship plays out.
But April’s also attracted to Teddy (Jack Kilmer), a fellow student who gets into a lot of suburban shenanigans, like setting things on fire and mouthing off to cops.
Palo Alto will play at Tribeca Film Festival and open May 16.