Saturday Night: An Unfiltered Look at the Hilarious Chaos Behind the Scenes!
Rating: 8 / 10
- A fantastic cast of rising comic talents
- Whirlwind pacing that captures the essence of live comedy
- The plot is fairly minimal
In the chaotic realm of Saturday Night Live, a live television landscape bustling with unpredictability from 11:30 PM to 1:00 AM, anything is possible—often to comedic effect. Enter the film “Saturday Night,” which transports us to the edge of its groundbreaking debut episode, weaving a tale of tension and laughter as Lorne Michaels (embodied brilliantly by Gabriel LaBelle) scrambles to stitch together the first show with nothing but determination and inventive spirit after hours of diligent preparations. With an energy level that rivals that of the iconic comedy show itself, “Saturday Night” offers a glimpse into the making of a comedy classic.
As Lorne nears the live moment of truth, he’s never been more palpably close—and yet miles away—from achieving his vision. Equipped with a vibrant, immensely talented young cast and a collective of writers who understand the pulse of an unconventional brand of humor, he’s faced with potential disaster lurking just around the corner. One heated disagreement between two comedic titans, Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) and John Belushi (Matt Wood), could easily prove fatal to Saturday Night’s future. Lorne has one monumental task: to guide everyone to the 11:30 PM mark. After that, it’s out of his reach.
A Brilliant Ensemble: The Rising Stars of Saturday Night
“Saturday Night” unfolds in a near-real-time narrative that maintains a brisk intensity, cleverly avoiding any moments where character impersonations might overstay their welcome. Understanding that the worst sketches on Saturday Night Live drag when they meander too long, the film strategically keeps viewers engaged. Each member of the expansive cast stands out in their own way, seamlessly channeling the iconic ensemble that came before them. Dylan O’Brien captures the relaxed charm of Dan Aykroyd, while Cory Michael Smith perfectly embodies the charming yet infuriating Chevy Chase. Matt Wood invokes the spirit of John Belushi’s high-octane energy, while Lamorne Morris artfully illustrates Garrett Morris’ bewilderment in navigating this groundbreaking sketch comedy landscape.
Throughout the film, multiple comedic styles splash across the screen, but it’s the subtlety of humor that truly resonates. Gabriel LaBelle shines in moments where he underplays the comedy; there’s a particularly memorable scene involving Nicholas Braun as Andy Kaufman, performing his renowned lip-synch version of the Mighty Mouse theme—genius, understated, and perfectly executed.
A Fun Adventure Through the Making of Saturday Night
One could envision a standard portrayal of the story behind Saturday Night Live—one primarily focused on Lorne Michaels’ pitch to NBC, the meticulous casting process, and the intense journey leading to their inaugural airing. However, by opting to dive into the chaotic 90-minute lead-up to showtime, director reaches a closer connection to the show’s original anarchic spirit.
By compressing all this background material into a lively, fast-paced film—while capturing the production hurdles of that first episode—the story mirrors the very ethos that made Saturday Night Live revolutionary. The sense of flying by the seat of their pants becomes an asset rather than a liability. Reflecting on the film later, you might conclude that plotwise, it’s on the thinner side. Still, it irresistibly provides a frenetic insight into the creation of a show that many presume would fizzle but has surprisingly endured for over 50 years.
“Saturday Night” made its debut at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival and is set to light up theaters on October 11. Don’t miss this glimpse into the manic heart of one of comedy’s lasting pillars!