Late Night Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A legendary but out-of-touch talk show host hires a diversity writer who accidentally makes the show… good? Chaos ensues, affair is exposed, then everyone is happy again.

🍿 Late Night: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Queen of Late Night Faces Cancellation

Katherine Newbury, a legendary late-night talk show host, faces declining ratings after years of success. The network president, Caroline Morton, informs her that her show might be replaced if she doesn’t improve. Accusations of being a ‘woman who hates women’ further complicate the situation as her writing staff remains exclusively male.

Diversity Hire: Molly Enters the Scene

To combat the negativity, Katherine hires Molly Patel, a chemical plant worker with aspirations of being a comedy writer, as the token female writer on her show. Molly lacks traditional experience but brings a fresh perspective and honesty to the team. Her arrival is met with resentment from some of the established writers who feel threatened by her presence.

Revitalizing the Show

Molly navigates the challenges of the writers’ room and encourages Katherine to be more authentic and connect with a broader audience. They experiment with more personal and political jokes, which lead to initially disastrous, but later successful results, boosting the show’s ratings. Katherine gradually learns to appreciate Molly’s contributions, but tensions rise as a scandal threatens to derail their progress.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson): A legendary but struggling late-night talk show host facing declining ratings and potential replacement.
• Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling): An aspiring comedy writer hired as a diversity hire who shakes up Katherine’s stale writing team.
• Walter Lovell (John Lithgow): Katherine’s supportive and wise husband, a former comedian, who provides her with guidance.
• Charlie Fain (Hugh Dancy): One of Katherine’s writers, with whom she had an affair, leading to personal and professional complications.
• Tom Campbell (Reid Scott): The show’s monologue writer who feels threatened by Molly’s arrival and represents the old guard.
• Caroline Morton (Amy Ryan): The network president who pressures Katherine to improve her show’s ratings or face replacement.
• Daniel Tennant (Ike Barinholtz): A young, vulgar comedian being considered as Katherine’s replacement, representing the changing landscape of comedy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Katherine: “Personal excellence is my watchword.” – Katherine states her motto when faced with the possibility of losing her show.
• Molly: “I’d rather be a diversity hire than a nepotism hire.” – Molly retorts to Tom after overhearing him complain about her getting the job.
• Mimi Mismatch: “You’re bitter, out-of-touch, and an old lady who is mean to people she has never met.” – Mimi’s parting shot to Katherine, summing up her initial public image.
• Walter: “The thing is, you can’t take away one terrible thing you did any more than you can take away the millions of beautiful things that we had together. That’s a million to one. If you can live with that ratio for another few years, then so can I.” – Walter explains that he can forgive Katherine’s infidelity during a time of crisis in their marriage.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,499,454
• Worldwide Gross: $22,386,555

💥 Late Night Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Late Night. Emma Thompson was phenomenal as Katherine, perfectly portraying that sharp-tongued yet vulnerable character. And Mindy Kaling’s performance as Molly was equally compelling. The dynamic between them was hilarious but also touching. I loved the scene where Katherine finally attends Molly’s stand-up gig and starts to see Molly’s unique talent. This movie is a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, both personally and professionally. This is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good workplace comedy with heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of workplace comedies like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ’30 Rock'”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about female empowerment and overcoming adversity”
  • “Those who enjoy witty dialogue and strong performances from Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Occasional strong language”
  • “Mature themes including infidelity and workplace dynamics”
  • “Some suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling make for a dynamite duo in Late Night, which tackles relevant social issues with sharp wit and undeniable charm. It’s a smart and funny workplace comedy that provides more than just laughs.
• The New York Times: “Late Night, while not perfect, delivers a satisfying blend of humor and heart. Thompson shines as the prickly Katherine, and Kaling brings a fresh perspective. The film aptly captures the behind-the-scenes dynamics of late-night TV.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Kaling and Thompson are excellent together. The film uses a familiar story arc but feels fresh. Great acting combined with a well written script allows for an enjoyable experience that is sure to keep viewers entertained.

Audience Reactions

Thompson and Kaling’s chemistry is electric, making every scene a joy to watch.: Viewers loved the witty banter and the heartwarming story of two women finding their voice.

The movie tackles important issues like diversity and sexism in a smart and humorous way.: The relatable characters and genuine moments resonated with many, making it a memorable movie experience.

Overall Consensus: A funny and heartwarming workplace comedy with strong performances from Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling, tackling relevant social issues with wit and charm.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mindy Kaling wrote the role of Katherine Newbury specifically for Emma Thompson.”
• “The film explores themes of sexism, ageism, and diversity in the entertainment industry, reflecting Kaling’s experiences.”
• “The script includes many lines dripping with great lines. (She cut her comedy writing teeth on the US version of ‘The Office’)”

🖥️ How to Watch Late Night?

Late Night is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check your local listings for cable options and streaming availability may vary by region. Consider checking local library systems for DVD rentals. It is not playing in theaters as of this date.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Late Night, you might like these similar films:

• The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Features a demanding, powerful woman and a younger assistant navigating a challenging professional environment.
• Morning Glory (2010): Focuses on revitalizing a struggling television show with a driven, ambitious lead character.
• Broadcast News (1987): Explores the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a news program and the changing landscape of broadcast media.
• 30 Rock (2006-2013): A workplace comedy set behind the scenes of a fictional television show, offering sharp satire and memorable characters.

🛒 Late Night Related Products

• Late Night: The Screenplay: Delve deeper into the story with the complete screenplay, featuring behind-the-scenes insights and writer’s notes from Mindy Kaling. Learn the secrets of writing a great comedy.
• Emma Thompson Autographed Photo: A professionally printed photo of Emma Thompson as Katherine Newbury, autographed by the actress herself. Perfect for any Emma Thompson fan.
• Mindy Kaling’s ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?’: An audiobook and bestselling memoir by Mindy Kaling that offers a glimpse into her life and comedic genius. It provides insight into her thoughts and career
• Inspirational Wall Art – Be the Change: Inspire yourself with a wall art poster. This decorative item will boost the mood of any room and add a touch of humor.

🎧 Soundtrack

Late Night features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Keep Their Phones Ringing” – performed by Harri Davies

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

When the director breaks all the rules of horror

Ever feel like a movie is messing with your head? This video breaks down exactly how ‘Late Night with the Devil’ does that, using crazy techniques you won’t see coming. Seriously, prepare to have your mind blown!

Late Night with the Devil Ending Explained

Confused about that ending? This video has you covered! It breaks down everything that happened and gives you a much clearer understanding of what went down. Honestly, it made me appreciate the movie even more!

Late Night with the Devil (2024) | Movie Recap | Jonny Recaps

Need a quick refresher on the movie before diving into all the analyses? This recap is hilarious and gets you up to speed fast! It’s like having a witty friend tell you the story.

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