‘The Post’ Early Buzz: A Timely, Important Film, And One Of Steven Spielberg’s Best
The Postcould not have come at a better time, if first reactions toSteven Spielberg’s ode to journalism are anything to go by. Set in 1971,The Postrecounts the events following the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers. Determined to follow the Times' lead, Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep) and editor Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) face the wrath of the U.S. government over the course of the Post’s publication of the Pentagon Papers, which divulge a decades-spanning cover-up of government secrets regarding the Vietnam War.
The embargo for social media reactions toThe Posthas been lifted, and critics are raving about how timely and important Spielberg’s latest film is in an era in which journalism is being assaulted.
SeeThe Postearly reactions below.
The Postcomes as a saving grace from Spielberg, who critics say is at the top of his game once again — though you would be hard pressed to find a critic who would argue that Spielberg ever fell off his game. But as a director responsible for classics likeJaws, Schindler’s List,andE.T., it’s still astonishing to hear both /Film’s Peter Sciretta and IndieWire’s David Ehrlich callThe PostSpielberg’s best film sinceMunich. The critics universally agree thatThe Postis a strong Academy Awards contender.
Streep gives a powerhouse performance as the first female publisher of a major news outlet, and Hanks is a worthy foil. Critics also praise Bob Odenkirk’s performance as Ben Bagdikian.
The Postis not being universally praised in early reactions, however. A few critics note that the film is obvious Oscar bait, while a few disagree with the consensus that Spielberg has reached a new career peak, with Eric Vespe calling it Spielberg on “autopilot.”
Regardless,The Postrings particularly true today, when free press and media credibility are increasingly questioned and ridiculed. Cries of “fake news” are thrown without any basis in truth, and false information is disseminated every day. Just yesterday, aWashington Post storyrevealed that the paper was subjected to an undercover scheme attempting to discredit their reporting on the Roy Moore allegations. It seems that films likeThe Postare invigorating in their unvarnished depiction of the truth.
The Post is an important film, not just to history, but to the now. Streep is amazing. My audience broke into applause at least 6 times during the movie itself. Spielberg’s best film since Munich.
— /Film (@slashfilm)July 17, 2025
Saw#ThePosttonight. It might be great. It certainly feels important in an era when journalism is under assault. It also feels important in an era where men are learning how many women are under assault.#KayGraham
— Ben Mankiewicz (@BenMank77)July 07, 2025
Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” is a timely look at the importance of journalism. Hanks rips his role to shreds while Streep shows up with an angelic grace. Kaminski’s camera work & Williams' score are standouts. First 30 mins drag but comes home by the end. A crowdpleaser#ThePostpic.twitter.com/OoPgEkTLYv
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis)July 04, 2025
#ThePostis a film that makes you sit further forward in your seat. Spielberg’s reinvigorated. Streep brings tenacity to the table. Hanks most electric role in years. This is about the importance of accountability & truth in a time of lies resonant then & now.pic.twitter.com/U81PCvN5Os
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle)June 12, 2025
for serious: I yelped and shrieked aloud a handful of times. at one point I grabbed@jhoffman’s knee with my whole hand. it’s another entry in Spielberg’s worship of PROCESS and I adore it
— David Sims (@davidlsims)July 17, 2025
#ThePostis excellent. Obvious but well worth saying – Streep and Hanks are fantastic. Takes some time to build but was very moved by Katharine Graham’s experience and how incredibly important it is to tell this story right now.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff)August 03, 2025
The Post benefits from a great, likable cast and a sadly timely reminder of the last time a president tried to villainize the press. However it’s super on the nose, incredibly slight and kind of a snooze overall. Felt to me like Spielberg was on autopilot.
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe)July 06, 2025
The all-star cast ofThe Postis rounded out byAlison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Tracy Letts, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford,andZach Woods.
Here is the official synopsis forThe Post:
Katharine Graham is the first female publisher of a major American newspaper — The Washington Post. With help from editor Ben Bradlee, Graham races to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spans three decades and four U.S. presidents. Together, they must overcome their differences as they risk their careers — and very freedom — to help bring long-buried truths to light.
The Posthits limited theaters onDecember 22, 2017, before expanding wide onJanuary 12, 2018.
