Amazon Studios has released the first trailer forLate Night, the much-anticipated comedy written byMindy Kalingand directed byNisha Ganatrathat sees Oscar-winnerEmma Thompsonstepping behind the desk of a veteran talk-show host. The film—in which Kaling also co-stars—debuted to pretty substantial critical acclaim at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, with Amazon immediately picking up the U.S. rights for a hefty $13 million.
Thompson plays Katherine Newbury, a seasoned presence of the late-night talk show resistant to changing with the times. To tamp down concerns over diversity, Katherine hires Molly Patel (Kaling), the show’s first female staff writer. Generational misunderstandings ensue, and things are further complicated by the fact that Katherine is about to be replaced. The film also starsJohn Lithgow,Amy Ryan,Ike Barinholtz,Hugh Dancy, andDenis O’Hare.
I caught the film at Sundance and it’s pretty delightful. There’s a wish-fulfillment quality to it that brings to mind the films ofNancy Meyers, but it also tackles issues like misogyny and diversity with refresing tact and nuance. Above all it’s very funny, and I would not be shocked to see Thompson’s name mentioned in next year’s Oscar race for her “Meryl StreepinDevil WearsPrada”-like performance.
Check out theLate Nighttrailer below andclick hereto read Matt’s positive review from Sundance.Late Nighthits theaters on June 17th.
Here is the official synopsis forLate Night:
A late-night talk show host’s world is turned upside down when she hires her first and only female staff writer. Originally intended to smooth over diversity concerns, her decision brings about unexpectedly hilarious consequences as the two women who are separated by culture and generation become united by their love of a biting punchline.
