Saturday Night (2024) is a thriller-comedy directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jason Reitman and produced by Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures. The story dives into the chaotic, high-pressure world behind the scenes of the beloved sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. Set during a critical 90-minute window before the first live broadcast on October 11th, 1975, the film follows legendary producer Lorne Michaels and an eclectic group of ambitious young comedians and writers as they race against the clock to bring their vision to life. With tensions mounting and the pressure of live television looming, Saturday Night masterfully blends sharp humor with edge-of-your-seat thrills, capturing both the excitement and anxiety that comes with making television history.

90 Minutes of Chaos

Saturday Night (2024) is a tightly woven story that grips you from the very start. Directed by Jason Reitman, the film kicks off with rapid-fire energy, perfectly mirroring the intense atmosphere of the backstage chaos that defined the original Saturday Night Live broadcast. From the first frame, the pacing feels electric—filled with long, fluid takes that somehow manage to keep the story cohesive despite the whirlwind of activity on the screen. The plot stays razor-sharp, never straying from its focus on the countdown to air time, which adds to the film’s underlying tension. Every character feels essential, and while the tone is playful, there’s always a layer of anxiety simmering just beneath the surface.

The film’s atmosphere expertly evokes the 1970s, especially within the claustrophobic setting of a television studio teeming with creative ambition and nervous energy. The decision to shoot on 16-millimeter film further enhances the immersion, pulling you into the chaotic yet nostalgic vibe of the era. As the clock ticks closer to the broadcast, the pacing maintains its momentum without falling into repetition, and the stakes only escalate. While the premise of behind-the-scenes entertainment drama isn’t entirely new, Saturday Night never feels derivative. Its unique blend of comedy and thriller elements, along with Reitman’s ability to balance ensemble storytelling with character-driven moments, makes for a film that is both exhilarating and unexpectedly heartfelt. Saturday Night successfully captures both the joy and pressure of making live television, creating a unique cinematic experience that feels both timeless and of its time. With its attention to detail and crackling energy, it’s the kind of film that keeps you on the edge of your seat while giving you plenty of reasons to laugh along the way.

Cast and Crew 

The performances in the comedy/thriller Saturday Night are nothing short of outstanding, contributing significantly to the film’s success. Gabriel LaBelle, as the young and ambitious Lorne Michaels, delivers a performance that is both emotionally grounded and filled with an understated tension. LaBelle’s portrayal captures the spirit of a man on the brink of something great while simultaneously juggling the pressures of the chaotic creative process behind the scenes of Saturday Night Live’s first broadcast. His performance is nuanced, giving the film its emotional anchor, and you can feel the weight of his responsibility throughout.

Rachel Sennott, playing the role of Rosie Shuster, emerges as a force of nature. She commands the screen with her ability to navigate the frantic energy of the film’s environment. Sennott’s Rosie is the stabilizing force, especially in moments where the chaos threatens to unravel the delicate balance within the writers’ room. Her dynamic with LaBelle’s Lorne gives the film its heart, as she skillfully mediates between the conflicting personalities that make up the core cast.

Other performances, such as Cooper Hoffman’s Dick Ebersol, add a layer of seriousness to the film’s often frenetic pacing. Hoffman delivers a monologue that breaks the tension in a meaningful way, providing a deeper emotional resonance. Meanwhile, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd is hilariously unhinged, leaning into the madness of the creative process with a performance full of energy and wit. He brings a frenetic charm to his portrayal, making his presence impossible to ignore. J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle and Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase are show-stealers in their own right, delivering one of the film’s most memorable scenes—an intense yet hilarious verbal sparring match.