Early screenings of The Post are happening right now, as we live and breathe. The first reactions to these screenings are, unsurprisingly, positive. Oscar is the common thread, and you’ll never believe who’s getting Oscar buzz.
Actually you totally will. It’s Meryl Streep. I apologize for the clickbait headline and I will dock myself points.
Yes, Streep and director Steven Spielberg are getting most of the accolades out there. The story, about The Washington Post‘s battle to publish the Pentagon Papers, which told the gruesome truths behind Vietnam, certainly has the built-in modicum of timelessness, but it appears it’s also pretty terrific. There are a few raves about the film, and a few “good, but”‘s thrown in for good measure:
THE POST is fantastic, it’ll probably win a bunch of Oscars, and it’s Meryl’s best performance since DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Happy now???
— David Sims (@davidlsims) November 28, 2017
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THE POST, as everyone else is saying, is dynamite. As good as THE PAPER? As good as LINCOLN? I dunno. Probably. Streep has multiple line-readings that remind you why she's Meryl Goddamn Streep.
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) November 28, 2017
Also, whether I'm objective or not, I will say that what Meryl Streep does in this movie, building a narrative about her character with each line, move, and gesture, is, even by her standards, astounding.
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) November 28, 2017
The Post benefits from a great, likable cast and a sadly timely reminder of the last time a president tried to villainize the press. However it’s super on the nose, incredibly slight and kind of a snooze overall. Felt to me like Spielberg was on autopilot.
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) November 28, 2017
That’s a solid snapshot of the reactions. Most hover somewhere in the middle of great to good, and Meryl Streep has once again become the leader in the clubhouse this Oscar season. Which, great, yes, Meryl is a National Treasure in my book. But is it fair to also say it’s a little tiring?
Not being mean, but there are a number of great female performances this year; they’re finally becoming somewhat commonplace, and it’s a delight seeing these new actresses ascend. Either way, if Streep wins, good on her.
The Post stars an incredible cast (inhales): Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Oedenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, Jesse Plemons, David Cross, and Pay Healey.
It will hit theaters December 22.
