Saturday Night (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Saturday Night (2024), directed by Jason Reitman, takes audiences on a nostalgic journey back to the chaotic birth of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). This semi-fictionalized retelling centers around the moments leading up to the show’s first-ever broadcast in 1975. The film showcases a behind-the-scenes look at Lorne Michaels, the cast, and the crew as they scramble to pull off a show that would eventually revolutionize television comedy. But, as with many origin stories, does Saturday Night successfully capture the energy of the legendary SNL or does it fizzle out in the process?
The Plot: A Nostalgic Dive into SNL’s Origins
Saturday Night begins on October 11, 1975, with just 90 minutes to go before the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live airs on NBC. The stakes are high, and tensions run even higher as Lorne Michaels (played by Gabriel LaBelle) navigates the chaos of a live TV production teetering on the edge of disaster. The script is unfinished, the cast is scattered, and a row of lights nearly crashes down on set. To add to the madness, John Belushi still hasn’t signed his contract, leaving the entire debut in jeopardy.
Reitman masterfully captures the claustrophobic energy of the situation, with the camera following Michaels as he darts between sets, cast members, and executives. The film recreates the urgency and tension that came with launching a comedy show on live television. However, as Saturday Night progresses, it becomes apparent that while the atmosphere is authentic, the stakes don’t quite land with the intended impact.
A Stellar Cast, Yet Underutilized
The cast of Saturday Night is packed with talent, with Cory Michael Smith playing Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, and Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd. Ella Hunt, Kim Matula, and Emily Fairn round out the ensemble as Gilda Radner, Jane Curtain, and Laraine Newman, respectively. Lamorne Morris portrays Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member of SNL who, even in the film, grapples with being typecast into stereotypical roles.
Despite the wealth of talent, the film struggles to give these actors much to work with. Wood’s portrayal of Belushi captures the actor’s mercurial nature, but it sometimes feels exaggerated for comedic effect, playing into the myth rather than providing new insight. Hunt’s performance as Radner, one of the earliest breakout stars of SNL, feels particularly flat, with her character often relegated to the background despite her significant contributions to the show’s success.
On the brighter side, LaBelle’s portrayal of Lorne Michaels stands out, delivering a nuanced performance that balances the young producer’s ambition, anxiety, and determination to revolutionize TV comedy. Rachel Sennott, playing Michaels’ wife Rosie Shuster, provides a strong supporting performance, offering both comic relief and emotional depth as she helps Michaels navigate the chaos.
The Film’s Strengths and Shortcomings
One of the strongest elements of Saturday Night is its visual recreation of NBC’s Studio 8H in the mid-70s. The film’s use of 16mm film adds a warm, grainy texture to the scenes, evoking the era in an authentic way. From the wooden panels in the hallways to the dimly lit dressing rooms, every frame of the movie feels meticulously crafted to transport the audience back to a time when SNL was a scrappy, revolutionary comedy show.
However, despite the visual authenticity and nostalgic allure, Saturday Night falls short in its storytelling. The film’s frenetic pace mirrors the chaos of live TV production, but it comes at the cost of emotional depth. Reitman’s focus on the technical challenges of the show’s creation leaves little room for character development, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the people behind the iconic sketches. The film occasionally flirts with deeper emotional moments, like Radner and Belushi reminiscing about their future, but these scenes feel forced and out of place in the high-stakes environment.
Another major issue with Saturday Night is its over-reliance on fan service. While longtime fans of SNL may appreciate the myriad references to iconic sketches and the larger-than-life personas of the early cast, those unfamiliar with the show’s lore may find themselves lost. The film assumes a deep knowledge of SNL’s history, which can alienate viewers who aren’t already invested in the show’s mythology.
Where to Watch Saturday Night (2024) Online
As of now, Saturday Night is still showing in theaters, but audiences are eagerly awaiting its release on streaming platforms. Given Jason Reitman’s previous film distribution patterns, it’s likely that Saturday Night will first become available for rental and purchase on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play in the coming months. Following its digital release, it may then stream on popular platforms like Hulu or Peacock, given NBC’s ownership of SNL.
While there has been no official confirmation, Peacock seems like the most likely streaming destination for Saturday Night, given the platform’s existing partnership with NBC and its role as the home of SNL’s entire back catalog. Fans can also expect that other services, such as HBO Max or Netflix, could bid for the film depending on distribution deals made post-release.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Nostalgia and Missed Opportunities
Saturday Night is a film that aims to honor the origins of one of America’s most iconic comedy institutions, but it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. Jason Reitman’s direction and Gil Kenan’s script offer a nostalgic look at the chaotic birth of SNL, but the film’s hyper-specific focus and lack of character depth may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied. It’s a film designed for the die-hard fans of the show, packed with references that will resonate with those who grew up watching Belushi, Radner, and Chase.
For those who do connect with the film’s nostalgic charm, Saturday Night provides an entertaining, albeit flawed, tribute to a revolutionary moment in television history. And while the film may not entirely hit the mark, it’s likely to find a second life once it becomes available on streaming platforms, where a broader audience can appreciate its tribute to a bygone era of comedy.
