If you’re unfamiliar with the term, an “Oscar-Bait” film is a movie seems to be specially crafted and made so that The Academy will recognize it, and reward it accordingly. These films tend to include an A-List cast including actors and actresses that the Academy historically loves, social commentary plot, and just an implicit ambiance that screams “I’m a work of art.” Nonetheless, The Post was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role.

Well, The Post is certainly one of those films, and while it’s not bad by any means, it’s clear that Spielberg attempted to craft a film that would draw attention from The Academy.

The Post is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Meryl Streep as Kay Graham, the owner of The Washington Post at the time whose position in the company is being seriously questioned because she is a woman. As always, Streep is excellent in this film and really brings her character life and even though Streep has virtually no chance of winning Best Actress, she’s very deserving of the nomination that she received.

Tom Hanks stars as Ben Bradlee, the executive editor of The Washington Post, and who was instrumental in the exposing of the Pentagon Papers. Hanks does his thing in this film, and it’s definitely not a bad performance, but it’s a performance we’ve come to expect from Hanks in terms of emotion and acting prowess. Some feel that Hanks was snubbed of a Best Supporting Actor nomination, but I fell that those nominated were a bit more deserving than Hanks was.

Meryl Streep as Kay Graham, 20th Century Fox

I can’t say enough that the performances within the film are good, but the tiny little problem I have is that the various actors somewhat sine through. When I was watching, I wasn’t thinking that I was observing the work of Ben Bradlee, but rather the work of Tom Hanks himself. This aspect of the film took me out of the world from time to time, but it’s definitely not a fatal flaw.

In terms of plot, The Post is a historical recreation of the controversy regarding the release of the Pentagon Papers inside The Washington Post amidst heavy legal battles with the U.S. Government and The New York Times for their own releasing of classified documents. Throughout the narrative, the film turns into a social commentary, not only on “The Press vs The Government,” but on the woman’s role in positions of power.

Constantly throughout the film, Kay Graham faces various trials and tribulations relating to the doubting of her ability to run The Washington Post. We see early one that these claims may be correct as Graham constantly struggles to speak up, offer suggestions, and make tough decisions when it comes to the paper.

However, near the end, she is absolutely forced to make a tough decision and, by doing so, she could either silence her critics or prove all of them right. This becomes the most central part of the film, as well as the most redeeming part. For me, it was definitely the tensest and most enjoyable aspect of the film, and Meryl Streep really makes it come to life.

The theme of “The Press vs The Government” is also very prominent throughout the narrative, as characters continually voice their opinions on the matter. The film is essentially contingent on the decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, informing the public of the secrets the US has kept for a very long time, or to not publish the papers, possibly saving The Post from any legal action that could be taken by the US government.

It’s very blatantly a commentary on the secrets that the US keeps, and that it is the press’ responsibility to dutifully report any and all news that the people need to know.

While these themes certainly present a good social commentary on topics that are relevant even today (see the meme-ification of the new term “fake news”) I find them to be very topical and not incredibly deep. With films such as Get Out and Phantom Thread, themes must be found through actual analysis and are not just given to you. I very much appreciate the relevant subject matter, but I was just wanting something deeper.

However, one aspect of the film I was particularly surprised about was the score. The exalted John Williams composes the score for the film, yet nothing particularly sticks out music-wise. One thing I’ve noticed with almost all of "King" Williams’ scores is that you are taken aback by certain songs, and the music itself never feels secondary to the film. I found the score for The Post to be relatively unnoticeable, and very much secondary to the film. I’m certainly not bashing John Williams’ work (it’s great) but I didn’t think this was his kind of film to write for.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Including a nice performance from Meryl Streep along with what we’ve come to expect from Tom Hanks, The Post is an overall good film, but still faces issues regarding cliché Oscar-bait tropes and overall meaning.

FINAL SCORE: 7.3/10, Worth It