"Katharine Graham is the first female publisher of a major American newspaper -- The Washington Post. With help from editor Ben Bradlee, Graham races to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spans three decades and four U.S. presidents. Together, they must overcome their differences as they risk their careers -- and very freedom -- to help bring long-buried truths to light."
Let's be real, this is the annual serious-drama-based-on-real-events-that-everyone-quietly-endures-whilst-nodding-politely-throughout. It's this year's Spotlight or The King's Speech; it's well made, gorgeously acted, masterfully directed but y'all ain't rushing to buy the BluRay. It's one of those films that critics will hail whilst simultaneously wishing they were watching The Lego Movie or something.
There are two things I will mention, firstly the central 'freedom of the press' message is something that is obviously rather prescient at the moment and Spielberg spells this out with appropriate weight and urgency. The beats are enjoyable, the 'yaaas queen' moments are well earned and the film's message is empowering. All good stuff. More importantly though, Meryl Streep is gooorrrggeeousss in this film. I realise I've just said that Meryl is more important than freedom of the press but god can she act. I think we tend to get over-saturated with Meryl Oscar nods and forget about the talent behind it but DAMN, she's just superb. If I wasn't absolutely gunning for Saoirse to take Best Actress then I would gladly chuck our Mez another one. In fact they should just make the statue look like her.
Yeah, I've nothing else to add. Read a serious review for the various things that this film does well. I enjoyed it. I wouldn't watch it again. Long live, Meryl.
WHO THIS FILM IS FOR:
Die hard Washington Post fans: People who don't fuck with the NYT, people who fucking go APE for THE POST!!!!! GO POST!!!!!
WHAT THIS FILM DOES WELL:
Pretty much everything really, Steve knows how to make a film, be real.
WHAT THIS FILM DOESN'T DO DEAD WELL:
I dunno, mom, it's good. I just don't think many people are gonna get a 'The Post' quote as a tattoo.
WHAT THIS FILM IS COMPARABLE TO:
Every Best Picture winner of the last decade.
WEIRDEST MOMENT:
When you get to see how printing presses work. It's extra AF.
OSCAR POTENCH?:
I wouldn't be surprised if it won everything, I wouldn't be surprised if it won nothing at all.