Scott, the protagonist of The King of Staten Island, is played by comedian Pete Davidson, who co-wrote the film with director Judd Apatow. The character is loosely based on Davidson's own experiences growing up in Staten Island after his father, a firefighter, died in the September 11 attacks. The film explores themes of grief, loss, and coming-of-age, as Scott struggles to find direction and purpose in his life.
Scott's mother, played by Marisa Tomei, is a single mom trying to hold the family together while also pursuing her own happiness. When she starts dating Ray, played by Bill Burr, Scott is initially hostile to him and tries to sabotage the relationship. But as he spends more time with Ray and sees how he and his firefighter friends deal with their own issues, Scott begins to open up and confront his own emotional baggage.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Bel Powley as Kelsey, Scott's on-again, off-again friend with benefits; Maude Apatow as Claire, Scott's ambitious younger sister who is going away to college; and Steve Buscemi as Papa, a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing.
Throughout the film, Scott works on honing his tattoo skills and eventually gets the opportunity to do a meaningful piece for a fellow firefighter. This, along with his personal growth and acceptance of his father's legacy, hints at a hopeful future for the character. The King of Staten Island is a poignant and funny exploration of grief, identity, and finding one's place in the world.