Let Them All Talk

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 10, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Meryl Streep as Alice Hughes
• Candice Bergen as Roberta
• Dianne Wiest as Susan
• Lucas Hedges as Tyler Hughes
• Gemma Chan as Karen

Director
Steven Soderbergh

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
• Traffic (2000)
• Erin Brockovich (2000)
• Contagion (2011)
• Magic Mike (2012)

Producer
Gregory Jacobs

Writer
Deborah Eisenberg

Budget
Estimated $5 million

Production Company
Warner Bros. Pictures, Extension 765, HBO Max

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for language)

Content Advisory

• Mature themes
• Strong language
• Complex interpersonal dynamics

Movie Story
“Let Them All Talk” is a reflective and nuanced comedy-drama that centers around Alice Hughes (Meryl Streep), a celebrated author who is invited to receive a prestigious literary award in England. Rather than fly, Alice insists on taking a transatlantic cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2, inviting two of her oldest friends, Roberta (Candice Bergen) and Susan (Dianne Wiest), along for the journey. Joining them is Alice’s young nephew, Tyler (Lucas Hedges), who acts as a bridge between the three women and the modern world.

As the ship sails across the ocean, old wounds are reopened, and long-buried tensions resurface. Roberta, who has harbored resentment toward Alice for years, believes that Alice’s most famous book was based on her life, a portrayal that caused her personal and financial struggles. Susan, caught in the middle, tries to maintain peace while dealing with her own issues of purpose and self-worth. Meanwhile, Tyler finds himself entangled in the emotional currents between these strong-willed women, as well as drawn to Karen (Gemma Chan), Alice’s literary agent, who has her own motives for being on the ship.

The film explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the passage of time, offering a poignant look at how relationships evolve and how the past continues to influence the present. The dialogue-driven narrative allows the characters to express their vulnerabilities, regrets, and hopes, leading to moments of both tension and catharsis.

Special Effects
“Let Them All Talk” is a character-driven film that relies more on its sharp dialogue and nuanced performances than on special effects. The film’s setting aboard the Queen Mary 2 provides a luxurious backdrop, with the grandeur of the ship contrasting with the intimate, sometimes uncomfortable conversations between the characters.

Box Office Performance
As an HBO Max original film, “Let Them All Talk” was released directly on the streaming platform, bypassing traditional box office channels. The film received positive reviews for its performances and direction, particularly praising Meryl Streep’s and Candice Bergen’s work, but it was aimed more at a niche audience interested in character-driven dramas.

Filming Locations

• Aboard the Queen Mary 2 (transatlantic voyage)
• New York City, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – Alice Hughes
• “If we don’t talk about it, we’ll never get past it.” – Roberta

Behind-the-Scenes
“Let Them All Talk” was shot almost entirely on location aboard the Queen Mary 2 during an actual transatlantic crossing. Steven Soderbergh employed a unique, largely improvisational approach, giving the actors a loose script and allowing them to develop their characters organically. This method contributed to the film’s naturalistic dialogue and authentic portrayal of relationships.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Let Them All Talk” is a quietly compelling film that thrives on the strengths of its cast and the richness of its dialogue. Steven Soderbergh’s direction, combined with the improvisational performances, creates a film that feels intimate and authentic. While the pacing may be slow for some, fans of character-driven dramas will appreciate the depth of the story and the exploration of complex emotional landscapes. It’s a thoughtful, engaging watch that offers insights into the dynamics of lifelong friendships and the way people confront their pasts.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10