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Late Night
2019 102 min United States of America R 18+
★6.8
Comedy, Drama
Director: Nisha Ganatra
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
A legendary late-night talk show host's world is turned upside down when she hires her only female staff writer. Originally intended to smooth over diversity concerns, her decision has unexpectedly hilarious consequences as the two women separated by culture and generation are united by their love of a biting punchline.
Budget:
$4M
US Gross:
$15.5M
Worldwide:
$22.38M
Starring
Emma Thompson
Actor
Mindy Kaling
Actor
John Lithgow
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2020
— Best Actress (Comedy or Musical)
Key opinion
Late Night is widely praised for Emma Thompson's commanding performance as a complex talk show host, which anchors the film's exploration of industry dynamics and generational divides. However, the film receives mixed reactions regarding its comedic effectiveness and the depth of Mindy Kaling's character, with some viewers finding the writing overly formulaic or politically didactic.
| Acting | Emma Thompson delivers a layered, standout performance that balances toxicity with vulnerability to create the film's most compelling character arc. | |
| Theme | The film explores themes of gender, race, and shifting power dynamics in the television industry, though some critics feel the execution of these topics is overly straightforward. | |
| Screenplay | Mindy Kaling’s character, Molly, is widely viewed as underdeveloped and lacking sufficient professional grounding, leading to a disconnect for the audience. | |
| Humor | While some viewers appreciate the film as a lighthearted and reflective piece, others find it lacking in genuine humor, questioning its efficacy as a comedy. |