Late Night
Starring: Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling, John Lithgow, Reid Scott
Directed by: Nisha Ganatra
Rated: R
Look out Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, Emma Thompson is trying out the role of the late-night talk show host. Well, for her latest film Late Night, the actress plays the role of Katherine Newbury, an esteemed talk show host with struggling ratings. To liven up the show, Katherine hires a female writer named Molly. Can Late Night with Katherine Newbury be saved?
Late Night is a very charming and engaging film written by Mindy Kaling. There are many themes present about ageism and sexism in the workplace that are genuinely thoughtful and well written. Women can relate to both Katherine’s character as the hardworking intellectual on-the-verge of being replaced and Molly’s character, the newcomer who deals with daily workplace sexism. Both characters showcase hurdles that women must face in today’s world, yet the themes don’t feel preachy or misplaced. The writing is earned.
While the themes of the film always kept me on board, I couldn’t help but notice the overall structure seemed a whole lot like the Devil Wears Prada. That’s not a bad thing because The Devil Wears Prada is a brilliant movie. I’ve been known to watch it every time it’s on TV. I still remember the first time I saw it in theaters. What a day! Oh yeah, this isn’t a Devil Wears Prada review. Anyway, Late Night lifts many of the same moments from Devil Wears Prada, including the frightening boss who can’t be pleased trope. Three scenes, in particular, made me feel like I may be watching a Devil Wears Prada reboot because they were replica moments.
Emma Thompson is thoroughly entertaining as Katharine Newbury. She brings a real depth and complexity to the character who got her start in comedy but has a sense of intense loathing as the years have passed. She attempts to be a strong female presence for her TV audience but can’t even keep a woman in her writer's room because of her domineering personality. Thompson shows impressive character development throughout the film in a memorable role.
Mindy Kaling is Molly, the former chemical plant worker chasing her dreams of comedic greatness. There’s no doubt she will do what it takes to make her dream a reality. The film does well exploring the dynamic between Katherine and Molly, two women working tirelessly to save Katherine’s show, despite their completely different backgrounds. Kaling and Thompson have a great on-screen dynamic.
Late Night treads in familiar cinematic territory but remains an engaging film about women working in Television.
My Rating: 7/10