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Saturday Night Review
An Unhinged Dive into Comedic Chaos
Watching Saturday Night felt like being backstage in the moments leading up to the first-ever Saturday Night Live episode — a raw, frantic, and stress-laden 90-minute descent into a motherfucking nightmare. Was that stellar? I’m still not sure. Was it the director’s intent to make the audience feel as frayed as the characters? Maybe. But one thing I do know? It worked.
The film’s jokes are insider gold — crafted by comedians, for comedians. That insider vibe carries the movie’s best moments, driven by pure conviction and the relentless energy of those living on the edge of the spotlight. Yet, if I’d wandered into the theatre with casual curiosity, $18 in hand, by the 45-minute mark, I’d be asking for my money back. Here’s why: it’s messy, frenetic, and just too real. The film launches full-speed ahead, but where’s the build-up? Where’s the character depth? The only fully fleshed-out character is Lorne (the protagonist); the rest feel like brilliant imitations — witty shells of people that comedians excel at portraying.
But. Here’s the kicker — and it’s a big one. For anyone who thrives on the thrill of making a show happen, for someone who’d give anything to wrangle a coked-up, world-class ensemble of comedians into a single, unforgettable performance — this movie is a rush. It captures the…
