In a landscape still too saturated with male coming-of-age tales, Tony Mucci gives us something better: a raw, cinematic snapshot of power, desperation, and interconnectedness in a city on the brink. MONEY TALK$, Mucci’s directorial debut, is as visually stunning as it is emotionally charged — a short film that pulses with tension, compassion, and consequence.

Set in the violent chaos of 1981 New York City, the film follows the journey of a single $100 bill, passed from hand to hand, person to person. Each transaction unveils a new layer of the city’s underbelly — a sex worker, a mother, a pimp, a child — all interconnected in a web of choices shaped by circumstance and survival. Through this deceptively simple narrative device, Mucci crafts a visceral mosaic of a society defined by its currency and its complicity.

The cinematography is brilliant, a striking blend of grainy realism and stylized grit. From smoke-choked alleyways to flickering neon interiors, each shot feels deliberate and immersive, pulling us deeper into the film’s fractured world. There’s a tactile quality to the visuals — you feel the cold metal of a subway pole, the sweat on a character’s brow, the weight of every unspoken transaction.

The ensemble cast is outstanding, headlined by David Mazouz (Gotham), Zolee Griggs (Wu-Tang: An American Saga), Ethan Cutkosky (Shameless), Fredro Starr (The Wire), Francesca Scorsese (We Are Who We Are), and Bo Dietl(Goodfellas). Their performances bring gravity and texture to every scene. Even in brief moments, actors like Sean Pertwee, 24kGoldn, Swoosh God, and Natalie Shinnick make memorable impressions, giving the film a raw energy rooted in character.

Above all, MONEY TALK$ is a showcase for Tony Mucci’s brilliance as a director. His vision is bold and unflinching, and his ability to build tension, evoke empathy, and reveal human truths within just minutes of screen time is nothing short of masterful. The film’s pacing is tight, the storytelling layered, and the emotional payoff undeniable.

Selected from over 13,000 submissions for the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, MONEY TALK$ is a daring and unforgettable debut. With co-writer/producer David Mazouz and acclaimed producers Scott Aharoni and Bryan Schmierbehind the project, Mucci doesn’t just arrive on the scene — he announces himself as a powerful new voice in filmmaking.

“MONEY TALK$ is a bold, unflinching look at how we’re all connected — not just by money, but by the choices we make in its name.”
Score: 10/10