Genre: Drama
Director: Sofia Coppola
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Seth Rogen, Amanda Seyfried, Dustin Hoffman, Patrick Wilson, Teyonah Parris, Elizabeth Rodriguez, George Wyner
Plot: The year is 1968: From a stage set somewhere in the heart of Los Angeles, a warm and charming young man named Barry Lewis is introduced. The audience claps for Barry as he makes his entrance, humbly bowing to the crowd. He welcomes everyone to this, the first in what he hopes will be the most fun-filled hour around.
Several decades later, an older Barry Lewis (Dustin Hoffman) takes time out from his opening monologue to introduce a man he’s been working with for a few years now. Out from stage right comes Martin Walburne (George Wyner), the executive producer of The Barry Lewis Show who, at that time, is currently celebrating his fifth year with the show.
The year is now 2018: A much older Martin Walburne finishes telling the story of the time Barry Lewis let him conclude a show’s monologue much to the amusement of crewmates. Several minutes later, the group of people sits by a table, enjoying a contemporary styled dinner when Martin stands up.
Martin thanks everyone for attending his retirement party. When he first took the job, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Little did he know that with the help of so many crewmates, friends, family, and especially Barry, they would take the show to new heights. And though this marks the end of his career, he is confident that a new, brighter chapter will begin.
The crew toast after Martin’s monologue, Barry smiling at his long-time friend. After the party, Martin is approached by the head of CBS himself, John Hooper (Patrick Wilson) who thanks him for his years of service. Martin watches as John walks away, seeing a part of his life come to an end. He begins to walk out of the building when he hears Barry say:
“Do you have the time?”
Martin turns his head around seeing the cheeky Barry Lewis and smiles, saying he’s always got time for him. The two proceed to reminisce about past memories from their time together when Martin glances at Barry, asking if he’s ever wondered when his time will come. Barry admits that he hasn’t thought about it recently, taking it one day at a time. Martin tells him that when ‘the day’ comes to think about his legacy. Barry promises, shaking his hand.
Meanwhile, in the middle of a beach, a couple begins to kiss passionately before a director calls it a wrap. He smiles, congratulating the two on a job well done. In the chair, a good-looking man named Matt Cassidy (Leonardo DiCaprio) shakes everyone’s hand, praising their efforts and thanks them for everything, spoiling them with compliments in the process.
This moment is interrupted when Alejandra Cortez (Elizabeth Rodriguez), Matt’s agent, asks him to meet her outside. Matt obliges, stepping out and telling everyone that “the pizza’s on its way”. Away from the cast, Alejandra notes that shooting was a success. Matt sighs, calling it a shame that ‘High Tide’, the show he’s worked on, ends after fifteen seasons. Alejandra then reveals that a new position opened up in CBS involving one of their most popular shows. Intrigued, Matt grabs onto Alejandra’s phone, becoming amazed at what he’s found, and tells her to call the heads of the network.
One year later:
Matt is introduced as the new executive producer of the Barry Lewis Show. Barry smiles, welcoming him to the team. Matt thanks him and throughout the day, Barry gives Matt a tour of the entire set, including the production area where he’ll be working. Throughout this tour, however, there are multiple occurrences of Barry running low on breath. Matt asks him if he’s alright, but Barry assures him that all is well. With the season premiere set to air in a few weeks, Matt shows great promise as the new executive producer. Prior to shooting, Barry offers to introduce Matt to the audience for the premiere, but Matt rejects it, preferring to work ‘in the shadows’.
During filming, however, trouble emerges as Barry begins to suffer chest pains that only grow worse as the filming progresses. Concerned for his new boss, Matt volunteers to take over as host. Barry stares at him disapprovingly, exclaiming that he’s never missed a show and would be damned if he did now. He manages to finish the episode, but when Matt goes to check on Barry, he watches as the woozy host clutches onto his heart and falls onto his chair, passing out.
Several minutes later, Matt waits inside a hospital alongside Alejandra when a nurse allows him in. Matt rushes inside the hospital room where he sees Trey Cash (Jamie Foxx), Martin, and Ben Hubbard (Seth Rogen) along with Barry’s wife crowded around him. Matt comes up to him apologizing profusely for letting this happen. Barry tells him not to be sorry and that he should be the one apologizing. He worked himself so much, he gave himself a heart attack.
Matt asks Barry if he’s gonna be alright. Barry says that he will be and hopes to be back on his feet in no time. Matt trusts him, heading out of Barry’s room. He spots Alejandra, quipping about how this was ‘quite a first day’, and that he could use some quality time. The two walk off, hand in hand, though Alejandra is noticeably uncomfortable.
A few days later, Barry Lewis reveals that he’s chosen to retire to spend time with his wife. He promises to film the rest of the season, but it still comes as a huge shock to Matt and the rest of the crew. On the final show of the season, Barry gives a heartfelt speech, thanking everyone for over fifty years of memories, and brings in some of his favorite guests, as well as Matt to do a curtain call.
After the show, Barry shakes everyone’s hand, thanking them for everything. Finally, Barry spots Matt. He tells him quietly that from here on in, he’s in charge. It’s confirmed the next day during a meeting that Barry asked John to let Matt handle the process of finding a new host, preferring to step aside. Matt promises to do his best for Barry, calling it the greatest opportunity of his life.
He repeats the same sentiment to Alejandra in a more joyous, braggadocious tone. Immediately Matt floats several names for the role, including himself but Alejandra reminds him that nominating himself would be a conflict of interest. Realizing this, Matt promises that he won’t name himself as host unless needed. Alejandra then tells him about two potential options for a host.
The next evening, Matt sits by a table in a small restaurant when he spots Trey and Ben in the distance, enthusiastically welcoming them as they sit down. The three have a bit of small talk when Matt takes things in a more serious approach, mentioning why they’re here. Trey and Ben begin to reminisce about the first time they were on Late Night with Barry Lewis, Trey to promote his sophomore album “Silent Nights” and Ben as a part of ‘Young Comedians Week’. Matt tells them that this is why he would be honored if they served as the first two hosts of the hosting search. Excited over being chosen, Trey and Ben accept the offer. Upon receiving drinks, Matt declares a toast to a new era. In a table not far from them, a woman observes the group, focusing on Matt with intrigue.
Later that evening, as Matt is heading out, he comes face to face with her. She introduces herself as Kathy Tomarken (Amanda Seyfried), writer for The Buzz. She tries to get him to answer a few questions, only for Matt to claim that he’s incredibly busy, coldly telling her to talk to her agent. Back in her home, Alejandra is preparing for bed when her phone rings. Seeing that it’s Kathy, she rapidly answers her phone. After being told of the circumstances, Alejandra accepts the interview offer on behalf of Matt. That evening, Matt and Trey go over final preparations for the latter’s debut show as host when Alejandra tells Matt that the interview went well though Kathy did ask when she can speak with him. Matt says that it’ll happen ‘in due time’.
Trey’s first night as a host is a hit with audiences and critics as he not only appears comfortable with the role but also manages to keep the spirit of Barry Lewis. As the show wraps up, Matt watches on, his clapping hands betraying the jealousy in his eyes. The next two weeks see Trey continue to set the tone with some even calling him the frontrunner to be the new host.
After the final show of Trey’s trial run, the crew (including Ben) has a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant where Matt gives a toast to not only a great man, but a great host, declaring that his efforts will not go in vain. That evening, as John is clocking out for the night, he receives a strange email from an anonymous source. He opens it up, his eyes widening when he reads the details.
The next morning, John calls Trey over to his office, revealing that Trey was arrested several years ago due to ‘disorderly conduct’. He asks him to explain himself. Shaken at first, Trey admits that this happened during the height of War of Terror. He was a part of a protest condemning Bush’s actions and it got out of hand. Hearing this, John eases up but reminds him that the Barry Lewis show tried to stay away from politics unless needed. Trey understands, hoping that it won’t diminish his chances. John does not say. Trey walks out of the office, baffled at how the story could have leaked out when he receives a text from Ben, asking if he’s gonna be there for his first episode.
This episode begins taping at night. Matt watches on as Ben does a solid job while also launching a few raunchy zingers here and there. Several of them make him wince. After the show, Matt is hard at work trying to edit the show when Ben walks in, checking to see how things are going. Matt explains that everything is going well, he’s just making a few edits. Said edits include a few really edgy jokes. Ben calls it a weird flex but whatever. He then mentions that Martin never did such a thing. Matt bluntly tells him that his name isn’t Martin, but that he’ll take it into account going forward. Ben thanks him for understanding.
During the next two weeks, Matt maintains his promise up until the penultimate episode of his tenure when during an interview with a celebrity, Ben makes a joke about Matt’s sex life and past work on Hide Tide. After the show, Matt makes his anger felt by storming out and not greeting Ben.
Outside, Matt calls Alejandra, demanding that she book a comedy show for him tomorrow. Despite Alejandra’s concerns, Matt tells her that it doesn’t matter what she has to do, just get him the hell away from this show. Concerned, Alejandra promises to do something at once. Now calm, Matt thanks her, calling her ‘babe’ as he hangs up. Two security guards watch on, suspicious about the whole thing. The next day, Ben reports the news to John, remorseful about choosing the comedy show, but also realizing how disrespectful it would be to not show up. John understands, thanking him for his efforts. As Ben leaves, Matt conveniently steps in as the de facto new host.
As Matt’s reign as host begins, he shows that he has skills to host but also has an inauthentic feel to him. This doesn’t stop the network from promoting the daylights out of his run, more so than Trey and Ben, drawing some eyeballs towards Matt’s way behind the scenes. Ben is willing to have fun with it, making light of it on Twitter.
On the eve after his final show as host, Matt invites Trey to dinner at a small restaurant where Matt confirms that he still considers Trey the top candidate to be the show’s host, calling his run a means to an end. Trey thanks him for the vote of confidence and the two share a toast. Later that evening, Matt comes across Kathy who asks if he can do an interview with her. Seeing that he’s dodged her long enough, Matt finally accepts a Saturday interview.
Saturday comes and Matt enters Kathy’s house, Upon seeing Kathy, he shakes her hand, smiling warmly as the two sit down. Matt notices a picture of a younger Kathy alongside Barry. When asked about it, Kathy says that this was a picture she took when Barry came to her high school. It was such an impactful speech, it motivated her to go into media journalism. She reveals that she keeps in touch with Barry every now and then and has gotten to do interviews with him. Throughout the interview, Matt is cool and confident. A subtle jab at Ben's humor becomes a major talking point on the internet however and it doesn't go unnoticed by Ben.
Ben calls Trey who is out and about Los Angeles. He tells him about what Matt just did and how it explains his actions. He warns Trey not to trust him as he feels he is a snake. Trey understands his frustration but notes that his hands are tied. He can’t say anything that might put him on bad terms with Matt. Frustrated, but willing to be civil, Ben declares that if he can’t, he’ll do it and hangs up.
The weeks pass by and Trey remains the odds-on favorite to win the hosting gig. Back in his mansion, Alejandra massages Matt's shoulders, telling him that it’s not all bad. He’s been slowly winning John’s approval. Matt looks at his phone, checking the last text he sent to him, a congratulatory one for a successful stint from his last show. She then suggests going out for the night. It’s his first day off in a while. Matt agrees, heading to a nearby nightclub.
At the nightclub, Matt keeps it low profile when he hears someone ask him if he comes here often. Matt turns his head around, becoming shocked when he finds Aliesha Faulk (Teyonah Parris), lead actress of hit sitcom ‘All Paris’. The two exchange a warm embrace and trade tales about life. Matt especially notes an ‘incident’ regarding one of the hosts, though he doesn’t state his name. Aleisha expresses sympathy and praises him for leading the ship. Matt then asks her what her schedule is like, to which Aleisha notes that she’s filming the last episode of her show in a few days. The two continue to talk into the night.
A few days later, Matt introduces Aliesha to the rest of the crew, explaining that she’s agreed to host the next two weeks. During preparations for the episode, however, it becomes clear that Aliesha is new to the idea of being a talk show host, constantly giggling over others and blanking out at inappropriate times. Several crewmates come up to Matt, questioning her ability in such a role. Matt assures them that she will be fine, if she needs a mentor, then so be it. Overhearing this, Trey volunteers to help.
The next day, Trey and Aleisha go over the planned opening monologue for the show. Aleisha has so many questions, the biggest one is how she should handle the role of host. Trey smiles at her, telling her that above all else, Barry prided on being himself. What he was on TV was who he was off it. He steps back, asking Aleisha to speak from the heart. She does, giving a short but powerful speech about starting from the bottom, having to work multiple jobs a week just to provide for her family before getting her opportunity…
The scene cuts to hours later, with Aleisha finishing her speech, saying she knows that she's on top of the world now, but that it never would've happened if it wasn't for her parents, acting coaches and of course, everyone back home in L.A. She finishes by telling the audience that if she can do it, they can too. The audience responds by giving her a standing ovation as a mortified Matt watches on. After the show, an ecstatic Aleisha sees Trey, thanking him for helping. The two cement their friendship with an embrace.
As the days continue, Aliesha continues to win praise for her enthusiasm and sincere nature, even as her habit of giggling over others gets grating at times. Matt sits outside the studio, smoking a cigarette when Alejandra comes up to him, making a proposition. If it can't be him, why not Aliesha. Matt then pitches to John the idea of her being 'the best option' to host, only for him to admit that he's strongly considering giving the role to Matt.
Matt leaves the office, shocked at the revelation. Upon returning home, he goes up to an attic inside his mansion and dusts off a collection of newspapers. He reads through them, detailing his initial rise to prominence as High Tide crewmate, but also reveals some darker truths, including several sexual harassment charges from women who claim that he groped them. Realizing that his past could come back to haunt him, he calls Alejandra, warning her to prepare for opportunists.
The next day, Matt isolates himself from the others, mulling over his next move when he sees Aliesha and Trey together. After filming, Aleisha and Matt go over the final tape, both seeing that her bad habit is now worse than ever. Several moments of her blanking out are also left in. Despite Aleisha's disappointment, she leaves in high spirits, thanking Matt for the opportunity. Trey watches on, an eyebrow raised over the sudden nature of it all.
A few weeks later, John holds a press conference, announcing that Matt has reached the advanced signing process and may soon become host. With control of the show imminent, Matt is swarmed by reporters, asking him multiple questions. It gets to the point where a visibly stressed Alejandra has to tell them that he's not taking questions.
Back at his mansion, Alejandra tries to convince Matt to celebrate his ascension, but he states that a demon of his past is haunting him, specifically his sexual harassment case. He worries about what might happen if Kathy gets a hold of the allegations. He pleads with Alejandra to keep them covered. Surprisingly, she refuses, stating that barring a crew mutiny, such a thing is unlikely to occur. Matt remains insistent but Alejandra refuses, asking what it is he's afraid of.
Furious, Matt pushes the chair aside and grabs Alejandra's right arm exclaiming that he refuses to lose everything because of some stupid bimbos. He threatens Alejandra that if she doesn't force Kathy to keep silent on any of his allegations, he'll make sure her career goes the way of all the other vapid women who served as his assistant. Horrified, Alejandra runs off, leaving a crazed Matt behind.
In the pouring rain, Alejandra keeps running until she trips over a sidewalk crack. She stays there, struggling to hold back tears when she hears a concerned voice calling out. She looks up, spotting Kathy in the distance. After helping Alejandra up, she takes her to her house and asks Alejandra what happened. All the while, Alejandra tries to make up several lies. It proves to be no use however and she breaks down, crying onto Kathy's sleeves. Kathy comforts her, sitting her down and asking her if she can tell her what happened.
Alejandra's actions as well as Kathy's damning testament lead to a media frenzy as they report every single allegation labeled on top of Matt. Public outcry intensifies as they realize he could be the host of their show and out in the wild, all Barry Lewis can do is watch in horror. That day, Matt holds a press conference to address the allegations, stating that this is the work of a rogue agent that has been fired. This does nothing to calm tensions but it doesn't matter. The next day, Matt Cassidy officially becomes the host of the Barry Lewis show.
A disconcerted Trey sits outside his house, devastated by everything that's happened. He then hears his phone going off and finds Ben calling him. He asks Trey if he knew about all the allegations. Trey solemnly says that he didn't, apologizing to Ben for not believing him. Despite everything, Ben still has hope that justice will prevail.
A week passes and Matt manages to get some episodes filmed, but by this point, the public backlash is so overwhelming, even Matt has to admit to John that it's not worth it. The two mutually agree that it's best to have Matt step down.
The next day, Matt heads into a coffee shop when he spots Trey, Alejandra, and Kathy sitting together. He glares at his former assistant, bitterly hoping that she's satisfied. Watching Alejandra being insulted motivates Trey to tell Matt to shut up. He has not only broken her trust but everyone's trust, including his. Realizing that he isn't welcome, Matt tells Kathy to publicize this. He screwed everyone over to become the host and he's proud of it.
The next day, Matt arrives at the studio where The Barry Lewis Show is taped where he sees everyone he's wronged including an upset Aliesha who slaps him on the cheek. Ben and Alejandra restrain her, causing John to step in. Matt doesn't care, finding it funny seeing everyone mad at him. Ben calls him a piece of scum and hopes he burns in hell. Hearing this, Matt promises to take Alejandra with her.
Finally, a loud voice rings out. Everyone turns around, spotting a disappointed Barry. He walks up to Matt, looking him in the eye. He thought he could trust him with his show, but clearly, he was wrong. He then focuses on John, saying that he's always known his love for profit. But he thought he was better than protecting a predator. Feeling the guilt, John admits fault and apologizes. He can't take back what’s happened, but he can make something right. Effectively immediately, Matt has been relieved of his duties as executive producer. Matt shrugs it off, saying he’ll find work again as he saunters away.
John then invites everyone to his office to discuss what to do next. Kathy volunteers to take over as producer until a permanent replacement can be found. John looks at Trey, offering him the job. Trey then watches as Aleisha sadly walks out of the office and tells John that there's someone he feels is more deserving…
One month later:
In the same studio that once housed Barry Lewis, a jazzy vamp introduces Aliesha Faulk to the viewing audience. She points to Trey, conducting the house band. Ben and Kathy watch on, having taken on the role of co-producers. Aleisha then welcomes everyone to Late Night with Aleisha Faulk. Given this is her first night as host, you'd think she'd have something planned. And she does, just not for herself. She introduces her first guest, Alejandra who comes out to a standing ovation.
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