This comedy/drama directed by Nisha Ganatra stars Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling.
Thompson plays Katherine Newbury, a late night talk show host. The show had been very popular, but has lost its relevance and is about to be cancelled by the station. Katherine books guests that she finds interesting, like Senator Diane Feinstein and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, unfortunately for ratings, hardly anyone else wants to watch.
She needs to punch up her monologue, book guests that have a younger following and she needs to hire a female writer for her all-male staff. She hires Molly (Kaling, who also wrote the script), a chemical plant worker with no experience. She loves the show and is willing to try a fresh approach.
Katherine is a very difficult boss. She doesn’t interact with her staff, she constantly berates them, fires them at will and addresses them by numbers as she can’t be bothered to find out their names. However, she’s willing to embrace anything to keep her job. Man-on-the-street interviews, and stand up routines at small clubs are part of her new repertoire.
Thompson and Kaling are great together. The older, experienced woman willing to take advice from an inexperienced, younger woman is a fresh take on things. Thompson shines. Kaling is a refreshing talent, and John Lithgow stands out in the supporting role of Katherine’s husband.
This film hits all of the right notes.