Let Them All Talk

Let Them All Talk is a 2020 American comedy-drama film expertly directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Deborah Eisenberg. The film boasts an ensemble cast of Hollywood luminaries including the incomparable Meryl Streep, as well as Candice Bergen, Dianne Wiest, Lucas Hedges, and Gemma Chan, making it a compelling watch for anybody who enjoys character-driven stories with well-crafted dialogue and fascinating interpersonal dynamics.

The plot centers around Alice Hughes (Meryl Streep), a celebrated but somewhat aloof and neurotic author who books a trans-Atlantic cruise to accept a prestigious literary award in the United Kingdom, due to her fear of flying. She invites her two oldest friends, Susan (Dianne Wiest) and Roberta (Candice Bergen), to accompany her, with an ulterior motive of using the journey as an opportunity to reconnect and potentially mend fraying bonds. The penchant for sophisticated, richly nuanced humor and drama is evident from the outset as we begin to understand the complex dynamics of the friendships and unravel the tensions lurking beneath the surface.

Bergen’s character, Roberta, is a lingerie saleswoman harboring deep resentments toward Alice. She believes her life, including her failed marriage, was used as fodder for Alice's successful books. On the other side, Wiest’s character, Susan, is a calm and composed woman who often serves as the peacekeeper challenging the tension between these old friends. As the trio embarks on the voyage, they attempt to navigate the troubled waters of their past relationships, bringing forth a sense of relatability and emotional authenticity that carries the narrative forward.

Completing the cast are Lucas Hedges, who plays Tyler, Alice's nephew and personal assistant. Tyler is painted as a supportive, if slightly befuddled young man, pivotal in the shipboard drama as a confidant and often a mediator between the three women. Gemma Chan plays Alice's literary agent, Karen, who sneaks onto the ship hoping to catch a glimpse of Alice's eagerly anticipated manuscript. Her character provides an interesting perspective into Alice’s professional life and adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

The film is first and foremost a talk-heavy exploration of relationships, self-identity, aging, success and failure, wrapped up in layers of humor, poignancy, and tension. Much of the movie happens aboard the luxurious ship where the characters are confined, propelling the narrative through the characters' dialogues and personal revelations.

Streep, Bergen, and Wiest, being the seasoned actresses that they are, masterfully portray their characters with the depth and subtlety required. Streep's nuanced performance as Alice is on full display as she navigates her character through seas of self-doubt, strain, and creativity. Similarly, Wiest and Bergen in their respective roles deliver performances that are both heartfelt and realistic, demonstrating their acting prowess and making their characters truly memorable.

Let Them All Talk is a film rich with character-driven storytelling. Soderbergh's well-paced plot, brilliantly complemented by the atmospheric and panoramic visuals of the passage across the Atlantic, make watching this movie a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Eisenberg's smart script allows moments of genuine reflection, melancholy, wit and humor to naturally come into play.

The title, ‘Let Them All Talk’, underscores the conversational nature of the film, where the well-written dialogue does more than move the plot along, it uncovers the complexities and nuances of these longstanding relationships. It speaks volumes about the way in which lifelong friends can both understand and misunderstand each other, love and irk each other, and support and hurt each other, all at the same time.

Overall, Let Them All Talk is a vivid and sincere exploration of friendship, past wounds, reconciliation, and life that resonates and engages. It is a film that lets its characters breathe, with their conversations and interactions providing both the humor and the dramatic tension. It is a delightful watch for those who appreciate thoughtful dialogue, exceoptional acting, and meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.