The Post Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks yell about some old papers until everyone agrees that yelling about old papers is a good thing.

🍿 The Post: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Leaking of the Pentagon Papers

In 1966, during the Vietnam War, military analyst Daniel Ellsberg witnesses firsthand the futility of the conflict. Disillusioned by the government’s misleading public statements, he later copies the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study detailing the history of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. He then leaks these documents to The New York Times, exposing the government’s decades-long deception.

Kay Graham’s Dilemma

Katharine ‘Kay’ Graham, the publisher of The Washington Post, is navigating the challenges of leading a major newspaper while also dealing with societal expectations of women in power. As the Post prepares to go public with an IPO, Graham faces immense pressure from her all-male board and investors, who question her leadership capabilities. Meanwhile, editor Ben Bradlee seeks to elevate the Post’s status and compete with The New York Times. When The New York Times is legally blocked from further publishing the Pentagon Papers, Bradlee sees an opportunity for The Washington Post to step in and publish them.

The Decision to Publish

The Washington Post obtains its own copy of the Pentagon Papers, and Graham must decide whether to publish the controversial documents. Publishing could expose the government’s lies about the Vietnam War, uphold the freedom of the press, and solidify the Post’s reputation. However, it also risks financial ruin, legal repercussions, and potential imprisonment for Graham and her staff. Despite the risks, and after consulting with her advisors and facing immense personal pressure, Graham makes the courageous decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, setting the stage for a landmark legal battle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kay Graham (Meryl Streep): The Washington Post’s publisher, who initially lacks confidence but ultimately risks everything to publish the Pentagon Papers.
• Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks): The determined and ambitious editor of The Washington Post, pushing for publication of the Pentagon Papers.
• Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys): The disillusioned military analyst who leaks the Pentagon Papers to expose the truth about the Vietnam War.
• Ben Bagdikian (Bob Odenkirk): The Washington Post assistant editor who locates and secures a copy of the Pentagon Papers from Daniel Ellsberg.
• Robert McNamara (Bruce Greenwood): The Secretary of Defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, who grapples with his role in the Vietnam War and his friendship with Kay Graham.
• Arthur Parsons (Bradley Whitford): A member of the board that advises Kay and puts pressure on her for the paper’s IPO, especially regarding her leadership as a woman.
• Fritz Beebe (Tracy Letts): A trusted advisor to Kay Graham, providing counsel during the Pentagon Papers crisis.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ben Bradlee: “The only way to assert the right to publish is to publish!” – Bradlee passionately argues for the Post to print the Pentagon Papers, despite potential legal consequences.
• Kay Graham: “We can’t hold back just because we’re afraid.” – Graham realizes the importance of publishing the truth, overcoming her personal fears and insecurities.
• Ben Bagdikian: “My concern isn’t the Times, it’s history. My concern is that we don’t repeat it.” – Bagdikian emphasizes the importance of publishing the Pentagon Papers to prevent future government deception.
• Kay Graham: “I think it’s time to use our voice.” – Graham decides to assert her authority and use the Washington Post to expose the truth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $81,903,458
• Worldwide Gross: $193,764,664

💥 The Post Reviews

Personal Review

I loved how this movie made me feel like I was in the newsroom, feeling the pressure and excitement of the story. Seeing Meryl Streep as Kay Graham find her voice was so inspiring. Tom Hanks nailed the role of Ben Bradlee. I cheered when they decided to publish. The movie reminded me why journalism matters.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “People interested in journalism and political history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances from Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks”
  • “Those who enjoy movies about freedom of speech and government transparency”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to war and government deception”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Brief historical war footage”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Spielberg delivers a vital and gripping historical drama with powerhouse performances from Streep and Hanks. The film serves as a timely reminder of the importance of a free press and its role in holding power accountable. The movie captures the intensity and pressure of the era.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The Post is a sharp and intelligent film that is a compelling reminder of the importance of journalism in a democratic society. Spielberg directs with precision, creating a tense and engaging narrative that explores the courage of those who stand up for the truth. Tom and Meryl are masterful!
• The New York Times: “While perhaps a bit too reverential, The Post is a solid and well-crafted film that benefits from the talents of its leads. Streep shines as Kay Graham, and Hanks brings his usual gravitas to Ben Bradlee. The film is a competent historical drama, if not a revolutionary one.

Audience Reactions

Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Kay Graham was inspiring and powerful.: Viewers found the performances of Streep and Hanks to be outstanding and captivating.

The film highlights the importance of freedom of the press.: Many praised the film for its timely message and its relevance to current events.

Overall Consensus: The Post is generally well-regarded as a solid and engaging historical drama with exceptional performances, though some find it to be somewhat predictable.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Film)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To create a sense of authenticity, director Steven Spielberg used actual recordings of President Nixon from the White House tapes for Nixon’s phone conversations in the film.”
• “Meryl Streep’s character, Katharine Graham, was the first female publisher of a major American newspaper. Streep met with Graham before her death and used that research to prepare for the role.”
• “The film had a very quick turnaround, going from script to screen in less than a year, which is unusually fast for a Spielberg production.”
• “The production team went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of a 1970s newsroom, including sourcing vintage typewriters and printing presses.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Post?

The Post is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming options through subscription services or cable providers. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Post, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): A classic journalism drama focusing on the Watergate scandal, showcasing the power of investigative reporting and the press’s role in holding power accountable.
• Spotlight (2015): Another powerful film about investigative journalism, detailing the Boston Globe’s uncovering of the Catholic Church’s child sex abuse scandal, highlighting the importance of truth and transparency.
• Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005): Thematic similarities in its portrayal of journalists standing up to political pressure during the McCarthy era, emphasizing the importance of free speech.
• The Insider (1999): A whistleblower story which showcases an individual’s fight to reveal the truth against powerful corporate interests, aligning with themes of truth versus power.

🛒 The Post Related Products

• All the President’s Men (Blu-ray): A classic companion piece exploring the Watergate scandal, offering deeper insights into the era of investigative journalism. Incredible storytelling from start to finish.
• Democracy Dies in Darkness: A History of The Washington Post: Provides a comprehensive history of The Washington Post and its impact on American journalism. Understand the real-life context.
• Retro 1970’s Style Reporter Notebook: Evokes the spirit of 1970s journalism, inspiring fans to document their own stories. Looks very similar to the notebooks used in the movie.
• Freedom of the Press T-Shirt: A stylish way for fans to express their support for freedom of the press.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Green River” – performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “End Title” – performed by John Williams

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 Movie Post-Credit Scenes That Went Absolutely Nowhere

Ever wondered what happened to that post-credit scene that set up a sequel that never came? This video takes a look at 10 movie post-credit scenes that went absolutely nowhere. These scenes raised expectations and hinted at a bigger story, but ultimately led to nothing. It’s a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes decisions that can affect a movie’s legacy.

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