In Kent Jones’s marvelously witty second feature, a once-upon-a-time New York poet (Dafoe) gets an ego boost when he is welcomed into the world of an emerging literary salon. Intoxicated by the attention — and by the alluring presence of Gloria (Greta Lee), the group's “tragic heroine” — Saxberger gradually reckons with the authenticity of his newfound poetic circle.

Adapted from Arthur Schnitzler’s recently rediscovered novella Late Fame (in a sly, hugely entertaining script by Oscar-nominated May December writer Samy Burch), this thoughtful, funny film explores the illusory effect of praise on the soul, and the lingering ghostly presence of the past, whether it's imagined or vividly remembered.