Late Night (2019), directed by Nisha Ganatra

Written by Mindy Kaling for Emma Thompson, Late Night is smart, witty and on point, if perhaps a tad heavy handed. Katherine Newbery is an award-winning comedian and late night TV host who has been at the top of her game for almost 30 years. Her show has become stale and she is under threat of losing her gig to a crass, younger, male comedian. Her very white, male writing team all come from a similar background, which helps to keep her work stale and repetitive. Enter greenhorn Molly (Kaling), the ‘diversity hire’ who brings a fresh approach and some hope of Katherine retaining her position. There are some interestingly complex plot points, such as Katherine’s ailing husband and a different take on the sexual politics of television, but conflicts are resolved a little too quickly and easily for credibility. A solid supporting cast includes John Lithgow as Katherine’s supportive husband and Hugh Dancy as a playboy comedian. The script is based on Kaling’s lived experience; it rings true and provides a truly valid commentary on equality of opportunity and the need for allies to be able to see what you can be. Although for a movie featuring a comedy writing team it could have been funnier. Emma Thompson makes the most of her role – just imagine if a female comedian ever did get the chance to be a late night TV host.