Reed Birney Reflects on the Shock and Risk of His Role in 'Blue Film'

The Tony-winning character actor portrays Hank Grant, a former teacher who spent seven years in prison for attempting to sexually assault a student, in director Elliot Tuttle's debut feature.

What is 'Blue Film' about?

The film follows Hank as he hires an adult sex worker, Aaron Eagle (Kieron Moore), who was actually one of his students over a decade ago. Over the course of one fraught evening, the two men engage in an emotionally intense exploration of intimacy rooted in their traumatic past. Birney's performance is a committed portrait of a man many would consider monstrous, aiming to capture a warped humanity.

What does Reed Birney say about the role?

"I have such a huge emotional investment in the movie, not only because I am playing this difficult role and I feel it’s the best film work I’ve ever done, but I also really collaborated with Elliot on it," Birney told The Hollywood Reporter. He also served as an executive producer on the film.

Despite his deep connection to the project, Birney was caught off guard by the polarized response. "I guess I’m not as smart as I think I am, but I wasn’t prepared for the divisiveness, honestly," he said. He has encountered praise from some who feel seen by the movie's bold provocations, while others have argued, "This movie should never have been made, it’s irresponsible to tell this story."

Where can you watch 'Blue Film'?

The film is now available for rental or purchase on digital platforms in the U.S., including Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home, as of July 2026. The film, which runs for 85 minutes, premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival last summer to critical acclaim.

For Birney, a respected stage actor known for television roles in shows like House of Cards and Gossip Girl, the project represents a significant professional milestone, even as he processes the complex reactions.