Spielberg's gripping drama, The Post, reinforces the idea that Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks can take on any role [Review]
Both actors are at the top of their games as they work together to bring the truth to the public, no matter the cost
The Washington Post’s first female publisher, Katherine Graham (Meryl Streep), and editor, Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks), work together to bring the truth to the public. Combining the talents of Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks was always going to be amazing, and their masterpiece, The Post, is absolute proof of that.
Following The New York Times’ shocking reporting on the cover-up of the US’ military analysis during the Vietnam war, The Washington Post’s first female publisher, Katherine Graham (Streep), and editor, Ben Bradlee (Hanks), have their work cut out for them to catch up with the scandal which has been concealed for three decades and four US Presidents.
With each of them having very different concerns in terms of the press and the public, Graham and Bradlee must overcome their differences, risking the futures of the company and themselves, to expose the truth for the greater good.
Streep is absolutely stunning. She starts off showcasing Graham’s motherly tenderness through interactions with her daughter and her visitors’ kids, and her social graces as a popular member of upper-class circles.
In later scenes we catch glimpses of her nerves and indecisiveness as an inexperienced leader, and an individual - and woman - whose capability is not trusted by the public. She’s been thrust into this position, stepping into her late husband’s publisher role, and managing her father’s press business. It’s all ingeniously manifested in the nuances of her facial expressions. Even her pauses in the middle of critical phone conversations seem to reflect her fear.
Hanks, as expected, shines as the aggressive, charismatic, witty but also impetuous editor who believes in standing up for justice at all costs. The many conflicts and compromises between his character and Streep’s make the eventful thriller all the more stupendous - it’s hard to think of a better combination than Hanks and Streep.
The captivating drama emphasises and reminds the audience of the importance of press freedom. But more than that, it also raises thought-provoking questions about the difficulties in finding the perfect balance between protecting national security and keeping the public informed of what the government is doing or planning on doing.
It may not have gone home with any of the the six Golden Globes it was nominated for, but The Post is well acted and scripted, another stupendous and meaningful Spielberg’s blockbuster that you must watch, especially if you’re a fan of 2015’s Spotlight.
Edited by Karly Cox